It's difficult to put an exact time to it as everyone is different and every case is different. However, approximately, the procedure could take between 90 minutes and four hours spread over the three appointments required to complete the root canal.
The root canal procedure is completed in two separate visits to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, sealed up, and protected from further damage.
Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half.
Molars. Molars are the large teeth in the back of your mouth and can have up to four canals. Root canals performed on molars can take 90 minutes or more.
A root canal takes significant time because your nerve needs to be carved out, rinsed, and disinfected. Some teeth have multiple pulp canals, while others have just one. Anesthesia, set-up, and preparation also take several minutes.
Does a root canal hurt? Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
Patients should plan to rest the day of their root canal procedure, and most can return to work the very next day. Our bodies need proper healing time, and this time can vary between patients. In most cases we recommend patients can return to work the day after their root canal procedure.
Yes, if you had no sedation for your root canal treatment or only nitrous oxide, you will be able to drive yourself home in most cases. Patients who have conscious oral sedation will need to have someone drive them to and from their appointment.
You will remain awake and conscious throughout the root canal but will feel very relaxed. Another common option, conscious oral sedation, is a prescribed sedative pill that you will take before your appointment. It will help you to greatly relax during your procedure.
How many visits does it take for Root Canal Treatment? You can expect two or three visits for an endodontic treatment, better known as a root canal. Your first appointment works on fixing the pain you probably have, and that shouldn't take too long. Once that's settled, your next appointments will treat the root canal.
When a non-surgical root canal fails or is not enough to save the tooth, a surgical root canal, also known as endodontic surgery or root canal re-treatment, becomes necessary. This minor surgery is done under local anesthetic to numb the area being treated.
Initial Root Canal Recovery Time
Your tooth will be numb for up to four hours after a root canal. You'll be able to return to work or school on the same day after your root canal treatment.
Is the second visit for a root canal painful? Not at all. During this visit, you have just completed a course of antibiotics, and your dentist has removed most of the infection within the tooth structure.
Antibiotics are not absolutely necessary after a root canal. After a root canal, you need very little time to recover, and post-operative care is the best way for fast healing. However, a dentist may recommend antibiotics before root canal to improve the chances of a successful outcome.
The need for a crown is typically determined by the amount of remaining tooth structure after a root canal. Generally, if more than half of the tooth is gone, a crown is indicated to restore the tooth's structural integrity.
A root canal causes mild pain for a few days. The discomfort is temporary and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and practicing proper oral hygiene. However, if the discomfort lasts over three days, you must see your dentist for advice.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal? If you are wondering if you can eat before a root canal, yes, you can eat and drink several hours before a root canal. After the procedure, your mouth will stay numb and tender for several hours, so eating beforehand can save you from getting too hungry or thirsty after.
Can I Brush My Teeth After a Root Canal? The short answer is yes! It's very rare that any dentist will instruct you to not brush your teeth after a dental procedure. Once the numbing medication has completely worn off, you are free to brush your teeth as you normally would.
Eating Guidelines After a Root Canal
You can eat 30 to 45 minutes after a root canal, which is enough time to allow your temporary filling to fully harden, but it's generally recommended that patients wait to eat until after the anesthetic has worn off to prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
Postoperative discomfort is sometimes experienced after root canal treatment. This is due to irritation of the bone surrounding the tooth and may range from mild discomfort in the area to an occasional episode of considerable pain. This discomfort will usually maximize in approximately 48-72 hours and then subside.
One of the most common questions we are asked is when a person can resume normal activities like work or school after their treatment. In most cases, patients can return to work or school the day after their procedure.
After your procedure wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating so you won't bite your cheek or tongue. Don't chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by a dentist to avoid damaging it.