🦷 How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
In case you are about to undergo a root canal or are just interested in the process, one of the most common questions is always about the duration of the procedure: How long does a root canal take? The answer will be influenced by different major factors, e.g., the tooth’s complexity, the severity of the infection, and whether a crown is going to be placed during the same visit. On the whole, root canal procedures of the present time have the advantage of being not only less time-consuming but also more comfortable and more successful.
We’ll take a closer look at the time-related issues of the root canal procedure, including the duration of the treatment, recovery time, pain, and aftertreatment effects.
How Long Is a Root Canal Procedure?
A single root canal treatment generally lasts from 30 to 90 minutes, and it all depends on the tooth and the complexity of the case.
Here’s an approximate percentage breakdown:
- Front teeth (incisors and canines) usually have one root and are, therefore, the easiest, usually done in 30–60 minutes.
- A premolar may take 60–75 minutes, as it often has two or more canals.
- Mult-rooted teeth have several roots and may well take up to 90 minutes or even more and may require a second visit.
If there is pus (periapical abscess, an opening in the pulp chamber), which indicates that the tooth is dead and it becomes a resorptive process throughout the length of the root, a one-visit root canal may be recommended in some cases.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last Without a Crown?
After a root canal treatment, the tooth is free from the infection, but without a crown, it can still be damaged by breakage, decay, and reinfection.
- A tooth that has received root canal treatment but remains uncrowned will not stay functional for a very long time, probably a few weeks to a few months at most, especially in the case of molars which experience the most amount of pressure during the chewing process.
- If we are talking of the tooth located in the front and not the one that is very demanding of a person’s biting, it will definitely hold longer without a crown.
- Yet, the majority of dental professionals will highly recommend that a crown be placed immediately after the root canal, and in the best-case scenario, within a few weeks, to save the tooth from cracking and also to prolong its life for a good number of years.
How Long to Recover from a Root Canal?
The majority of people are able to return to their work or normal activities within 24 hours after the procedure. However, it is necessary to point out that it may take longer for some people to get to full recovery, especially if a person was very sensitive and had any complications, such as an infection or swelling, before the treatment was started.
The normal recovery process may go as such:
- Day 1–2: Mild discomfort or soreness, especially while chewing.
- Day 3–5: Sensitivity begins to subside.
- Day 7+: Most patients feel fully recovered.
If your second appointment is scheduled for a filling or a crown, you should not miss it, as an untreated tooth can easily be re-infected or broken.
How Long Does Pain Last from a Root Canal?
The discomfort after root canal treatment is typically temporary and not really severe. The pain is explained by the procedure, as it deals with the cause, which is the infection or inflammation of the pulp.
What can be predicted for you is:
- Light soreness or temperature sensitivity: It’s usually gone in a matter of 1–3 days
- Discomfort while chewing: It can last for about a week
- Severe pain in the following days: May signal a root that needs re-treatment, or a cracked root—get in touch with your dentist if such is the case.
The majority of people may alleviate any pain by taking non-prescription medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
How Long Does Numbing Last After a Root Canal?
The numbing sensation from the local anesthetic typically disappears within 2 to 4 hours post-operation. This, however, may not be the case for all and could depend on:
- The kind of anesthetic used
- Your metabolism and blood circulation
- The quantity of anesthetic given
Alternatively, at this time, it is best not to:
- Eat, as this would prevent the occurrence of accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Consume drinks that are too hot without caution, as you might lose the perception of temperature due to the anesthesia.
If you still cannot feel anything after this period, call your dentist and ask if there is any pain that affects the nerve.
Conclusion:
Old times are long bygone as far as root canals are concerned. The operation lasts probably less than about 90 minutes as a rule, and healing is rapid. After the treatment, the tooth may remain sensitive for a short while, but if you take care of it properly, and a crown is put in place, the tooth can last a lifetime. Knowing this schedule for a root canal is a good idea, whether you are preparing for the procedure or just feeling nervous or curious, because it gives you a sense of journey progress the whole time.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Root Canal Takes
A root canal usually takes from 30 to 90 minutes. Time depends on how many canals and the tooth’s location. Mulberry teeth, with multiple roots, may take a longer time or end up needing a second visit.
A root canal-treated tooth with a dental crown and proper care can last 10 to 20 years or even longer. In many situations, it is a permanent fixture.
Most individuals get better in a few days to a week. If there is any lingering soreness, that is usually easy to handle with over-the-counter pain medication.
It usually takes 60 to 90 minutes for molars because of their complex root structure. Sometimes, the operation is carried out in two sessions.
If you were given antibiotics before the root canal, it might take a few days for the infection to be under control. Nonetheless, antibiotics are not a substitute for the actual treatment.
Do not eat for at least 1–2 hours until the numbness goes away. During the first 24 hours, consume only soft foods.
You can have your cup of coffee or tea when the numbness is no longer there, usually after 2–4 hours. Be careful not to drink very hot liquids on the treated side during the first day.
