How long does a root canal take?
Often a single visit. Here is what decides whether yours takes one appointment or two, and what to expect afterwards.
By Dr. Praveen, founder. general, implant and surgical dentistry ·
One visit or two
Many root canal treatments are completed in a single appointment. A second visit is more likely when the tooth has several curved or narrow canals, when there is an active infection that needs to settle first, or when the tooth needs to be rebuilt before a crown.
At Aesthetic Dental Center, treatment is completed in a single visit where the tooth allows it, and carried out under 3.5x magnification, which helps in finding and cleaning every canal.
What happens during the appointment
- The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic
- The infected or inflamed tissue inside is removed
- The canals are cleaned and shaped
- The canals are filled and sealed
- A filling or temporary filling closes the tooth
Recovery
The tooth can feel tender for a few days, especially when biting. Ordinary pain relief usually helps. Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final filling or crown is in place.
Do you need a crown afterwards?
Back teeth usually do, because a root treated tooth is more brittle and more likely to crack under chewing forces. Front teeth sometimes only need a filling. When the remaining tooth is thin, a post and core rebuilds it first. Your dentist will tell you which applies.
Signs you may need a root canal
- Toothache that lingers or wakes you at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade
- Swelling or a small bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened after an injury
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise on your own teeth at a consultation.