How Long Does It Take to Save a Tooth? A Timeframe for Root Canal Treatment

Learning you require a root canal may leave you with a lot of questions – many of which can be answered by your trusted and experienced dental professional. Although it’s normal to inquire about potential pain, recovery, and even pre-treatment requirements, one that is most common is finding out how long you can expect the procedure to take. Read on to find out what kind of timeframe is normal for a root canal and what recovery will be like when you return home.

How Much Time Does It Take to Perform a Root Canal?

Before your dentist can discuss the length of your procedure, they must first determine the severity of the decay or damage that has occurred as well as the type of tooth that is affected.

Generally, a normal root canal can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes; however, if it’s a molar or tooth that contains multiple roots, you can expect the procedure to take more than 1- 1 ½ hours to complete. In the most severe cases, it may be necessary for you to return for a second appointment so that your dentist can complete the work.

What is Involved as Part of a Root Canal Procedure?

Your dentist will begin by numbing the tooth and the area around it with local anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, they will isolate the affected tooth with a dental dam and make a small opening in its crown. This provides immediate access to the inner layers, allowing your dentist to begin clearing away diseased tissues and decay from the root canals and pulp chamber.

After removing the pulp and sterilizing the inside of the tooth structure, your dentist will fill it with a biocompatible solution known as gutta-percha. It effectively fills in the space previously occupied by the pulp to help keep the tooth stable over time.

Once a temporary filling is put in place, a customized dental crown will be applied within a few weeks to better protect your tooth.

How Long Will Recovery Take?

After your root canal is complete, the typical timeframe for recovery is 6-10 days; however, many patients may return to work within a few days.

It is common to experience some soreness after the anesthesia wears off, so you’ll need to make sure that you have over-the-counter pain relievers that you can take to minimize discomfort. Tenderness is also likely to occur, which you can reduce by sticking to a soft food diet for 1-2 days. As the soreness begins to dissipate, you can resume your regular diet.

Although the idea of receiving a root canal may not be your idea of fun, it is one of the most beneficial and worthwhile forms of treatment when it comes to saving your tooth from possible extraction.

About the Authors
Dr. Zach Walker attended the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2017. Graduating with honors, he went on to complete the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program through the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. Offering root canal treatment to patients suffering from damaged or decayed teeth and who are at risk of possible extraction, he ensures a successful procedure that requires minimal time in the treatment chair and swift recovery at home. If you want to learn what you can expect when requiring a root canal, visit our website or call (336) 993-3727.