Many patients want to know how long root canal treatment takes before agreeing to it. Time is an important consideration, especially when dealing with tooth pain or a busy schedule. Understanding the root canal procedure and what it involves can help you feel more prepared and confident.
A root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, treat infection, and save your natural tooth. While the length of treatment varies, most root canals follow a predictable treatment process. Below, each stage is explained in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
What is a root canal procedure?
Purpose of root canal treatment
A root canal procedure is carried out when the infected pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or damaged. This pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive. Infection usually develops due to decay, cracks, or trauma.
The main goal is to stop the infection from spreading deeper into the jaw and surrounding tissues. Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged tissue from the pulp chamber and canals. The aim is to relieve pain, stop further infection, and preserve the affected tooth rather than removing it.
Common reasons a root canal is required
Common symptoms include significant tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity, swelling, or an infected tooth that does not heal on its own. Some people experience no pain at all, even with severe infection.
Bacteria entering the tooth can inflame the pulp long before symptoms appear. A thorough examination and X-rays help identify infected pulp and damaged tissue. Early treatment protects oral health and reduces the risk of further complications.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
Average length of a root canal appointment
Patients often ask how long a root canal procedure takes in real terms. A basic root canal procedure usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes per appointment.
This time includes cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting the canals. How long a root canal takes depends on tooth anatomy and infection severity. Front teeth with one canal are usually quicker, while molar root canal procedures take longer.
Single-appointment versus multiple-appointment treatment
A single-visit root canal may be possible for a mild infection with one canal. In these cases, cleaning and sealing can be completed in one root canal appointment.
Teeth with multiple canals often need additional care time. More complex cases often require two or more appointments. Multiple visits allow time for the temporary antibacterial medication to work and ensure sufficient healing before final sealing.
Factors that influence treatment duration
Tooth position and the complexity of the roots
Tooth anatomy plays a major role in how long a root canal procedure takes. An incisor root canal procedure on anterior teeth usually involves one canal and one root.
Premolar root canal procedures may have one or two roots. A molar root canal often involves multiple canals, sometimes up to four canals, making these the most time-consuming teeth.
Extent of infection
Mild infection can often be treated quickly. Severe infection or further infection from previous dental work may require more thorough cleaning and additional visits.
Complex cases may need medication placed inside the canals between appointments. Narrow canals and curved roots increase treatment time. Any remaining bacteria must be removed carefully to protect the treated tooth in the long term.
What to expect during the procedure
Examination, scans, and local anaesthetic
Each root canal procedure involves careful treatment preparation. A dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth and protect the mouth.
This barrier helps maintain a clean working area throughout treatment. Local anaesthesia or local anaesthetic ensures the procedure is comfortable. Despite common myths, most root canals hurt less than untreated tooth pain.
Cleaning, shaping, and sealing the tooth
Pulp removal is performed to clear the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and canals. The empty space is shaped and cleaned thoroughly.
Special instruments allow precise cleaning of narrow canals. A permanent or temporary filling is placed to seal the canals. In some cases, a temporary filling is used between visits to allow medication to work.
Recovery time and aftercare
Sensations and side effects after treatment
Root canal recovery is usually straightforward. Mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth is common for a few days.
This discomfort is part of the natural healing response, and is often less severe than the original tooth pain. Pain relief medication can help while the area settles.
Aftercare advice and follow-up visits
Patients are advised to avoid chewing on the affected tooth until it is fully restored. Good oral health habits support healing and reduce the risk of further infection.
Keeping up with regular cleaning routines at home helps prevent future problems, and follow-up visits with the dentist help ensure that the procedure has been successful and everything looks how it should. Your dentist may recommend either a crown or a normal filling for long-term protection.
Cost of a root canal treatment
Typical private treatment fees in the UK
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on several factors. Front teeth usually cost less than molar root canal treatment due to complexity.
Time spent in the chair influences overall pricing. Molar root canal procedures involve multiple canals and are among the most time-consuming procedures. This increases chair time and overall cost.
Costs of additional treatments, such as crowns
After root canal therapy, a treated tooth may need additional treatment, and potentially a crown to help protect the remaining tooth structure.
Crowns reduce the risk of fracture after pulp removal. A permanent crown is often recommended for molars due to chewing forces but, depending on their strength and position, some teeth may only require a normal filling.
Finance and payment options
Spreading the cost with dental finance plans
Many practices offer dental finance plans to spread the cost of multiple root canals or complex treatment. This makes care more accessible.
Payment flexibility can reduce stress during treatment planning. Payment plans allow patients to proceed without delaying treatment. Early care reduces the risk of further complications and tooth loss.
Using dental insurance
Dental insurance may contribute towards root canal treatment costs. Coverage often depends on the tooth type and the number of visits you need for treatment.
Checking benefits in advance helps avoid unexpected expenses. Since a root canal is normally done when medically necessary, this should be covered by most plans, but you can discuss with your dental practice before treatment begins if you’re really not sure.
Root canal treatment at Fulham Road Dental
At Fulham Road Dental, we understand that patients want to know what to expect when they come to us for treatment. Our experienced team provides high-quality root canal therapy, focusing on relieving pain, treating infection, and saving your natural tooth while maintaining your oral health.
We guide you through each step, from thorough examination and X-rays to careful cleaning and sealing of the affected tooth, and our team is ready to support you if you are experiencing significant tooth pain or an infected tooth.
Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier smile.
FAQs
Is a root canal painful?
A root canal procedure is generally not painful because your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area. You may feel some pressure or movement during the treatment, but the anaesthetic prevents significant pain. Most patients find that any discomfort is much less than the original tooth pain caused by an infected pulp or damaged tissue.
After the procedure, mild soreness or tenderness around the treated tooth is common for a few days. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, and it gradually improves as the tooth heals and the infection resolves.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Alternatives to a root canal depend on the condition of the affected tooth. One option is tooth extraction, which removes the infected tooth completely. After extraction, the gap can be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or removable denture to restore function and appearance. These options help prevent further infection but do not save the natural tooth.
Another alternative is palliative treatment, where medication or temporary fillings are used to manage pain or infection. This may provide short-term relief but usually does not address the underlying infected pulp. Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment is often the preferred long-term solution.
Can sedation help if I’m anxious about getting root canal treatment?
Sedation can be very helpful for patients who feel anxious about root canal treatment. It helps you stay calm and relaxed during the procedure, while a local anaesthetic ensures the tooth is numb. Sedation does not remove pain completely but makes the experience more comfortable and less stressful.
There are different types of sedation, including inhalation sedation, oral medication, or intravenous sedation, depending on your needs and the complexity of the treatment. Your dentist will discuss the most suitable option with you. Sedation allows you to receive root canal therapy without feeling overwhelmed by fear or anxiety, making the process easier to manage.
What happens if a root canal fails?
If a root canal fails, it usually means that infection or inflammation remains in the tooth or surrounding tissue. You may notice continued tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, and the treated tooth may feel different when biting or chewing. In some cases, an abscess can develop, causing further discomfort and the risk of spreading infection.
When a root canal does not succeed, your dentist may recommend retreatment, where the canals are cleaned and sealed again. In more severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. Early attention helps prevent further complications and protects your oral health.
Will a root canal fix an abscess?
A root canal can often treat an abscess by removing the infected pulp and thoroughly cleaning the canals. This stops the infection from spreading and relieves pain caused by the abscess. The empty space is then filled and sealed to prevent bacteria from returning.
In some cases, the abscess may need additional treatment, such as drainage or antibiotics, to fully heal. After the root canal, a permanent or temporary filling or crown may be placed to protect the treated tooth. Prompt treatment helps prevent further infection and saves your natural tooth whenever possible.
Can root canal treatment be done by a general dentist, or will I need to see a specialist?
Root canal treatment can often be carried out by a general dentist, especially for simple cases such as front teeth or single-canal teeth. Many general dentists have the training and equipment to perform basic root canal procedures safely and effectively.
More complex cases, such as molar root canal procedures with multiple canals, narrow canals, or severe infection, may require a referral to an endodontist, a specialist in root canal therapy. Seeing a specialist can improve success rates for difficult teeth and ensure that the treatment process is thorough, reducing the risk of further infection or complications.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
If you do not get a root canal when it is needed, the infection in the tooth can worsen over time. This may cause significant tooth pain, swelling, and sensitivity, making it difficult to eat or speak comfortably. The infected pulp can spread bacteria to surrounding tissues and bone, increasing the risk of further complications.
Ignoring the problem may eventually lead to tooth loss, as the affected tooth can no longer be saved. In some cases, severe infection may require extraction and replacement with an implant, bridge, or denture, which can be more complex and costly than root canal treatment.
Do I need a root canal even if the tooth doesn’t hurt anymore?
Even if the tooth does not hurt anymore, you may still need a root canal. Pain can sometimes disappear when the nerves in the tooth die, but the infection may still be present. Leaving the infected pulp untreated can allow bacteria to spread, causing further infection or damage to the surrounding bone and tissues.
A dentist can check the tooth with a thorough examination and X-rays to see if root canal treatment is necessary. Treating the tooth early helps save your natural tooth and prevents more serious problems, which could require extraction or more complex procedures in the future.
Will I be able to eat normally after getting root canal treatment?
After root canal treatment, you will usually be able to eat normally once the numbness from the local anaesthetic wears off. It is common to feel mild soreness in the treated tooth for a few days, so it may help to eat softer foods at first. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth can reduce discomfort while the tooth settles.
Once any temporary filling or medication has been replaced with a permanent filling or crown, the treated tooth can handle normal chewing again. Following your dentist’s aftercare advice ensures the tooth heals properly and restores full function for everyday eating.
Does smoking affect a tooth that has recently had a root canal?
Smoking can affect a tooth that has recently had a root canal by slowing down the healing process. The chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow to the treated tooth and surrounding gums, which can make it harder for the tissues to recover. This may increase the risk of mild infection or delay root canal recovery.
Continuing to smoke can also compromise oral health more generally, making it easier for bacteria to return to the treated tooth. Avoiding smoking while the tooth heals helps ensure the treatment is successful and reduces the risk of further complications or future infections.