If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal treatment, one of the first questions you might have is how long does a root canal take? It’s a fair concern, especially if you’re trying to fit the dental procedure into your day or simply want to know what to expect.
The duration of a root canal depends on several factors, including the tooth’s condition, the number of canals inside it, and whether there’s an infection that needs more than one visit to treat. This article explains the typical time involved, step by step, and helps you understand why some cases take longer than others.
Understanding the Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is a type of dental treatment that saves an infected or damaged tooth instead of removing it. Inside every natural tooth is a soft area called the tooth pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed, usually because of deep decay, a crack, or bacterial infection, it can cause severe pain and swelling in the surrounding gum tissue.
During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the root canal system is cleaned, and the area is sealed using a specialised filling material. The aim is to relieve pain, stop the spread of infection, and preserve the tooth structure so you can continue using your treated tooth just like before.
Why You Might Need a Root Canal
Your dentist might advise root canal treatment if you experience:
- Ongoing pain when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness near the tooth
- Tooth discolouration
- A tooth infection visible on X-rays
Sometimes, the tooth may not hurt, but treatment is still required if the dental pulp has died due to previous trauma or decay.
A successful root canal treatment stops the infection while keeping your natural tooth intact, avoiding the need for a tooth extraction procedure or a dental implant.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take on Average?
For most patients, the entire procedure can take between 60 and 90 minutes per appointment, depending on the tooth’s complexity. Some root canals are finished in one visit, while others need two or more dental appointments for further treatment and healing.
Typical duration by tooth type:
- Front teeth (incisors and canines): Around 45–60 minutes. These usually have a single canal.
- Premolars: Approximately 60–90 minutes, as they can have one or two canals.
- Molars: Often 90 minutes or longer, since they have multiple canals that require extra cleaning and shaping.
If your tooth has hidden canals or a more complicated shape, the duration of a root canal may be longer.
Factors That Can Affect the Duration
Every tooth is different. The treatment process can vary depending on:
- The extent of infection or inflammation: A deeply infected tooth pulp or abscessed area may require extra cleaning time or medication between visits.
- Tooth location and anatomy: Back teeth often have multiple canals, making them more time-consuming to treat than front teeth.
- Use of modern technology: Improvements in dental technology can make the root canal process more efficient compared to traditional approaches.
- Need for additional procedures: If a temporary filling is placed before the final restoration, or if the tooth requires an extended healing time, you might have to return for further treatment.
- Experience of the dentist: Dentists who regularly perform root canal therapy are typically faster and more efficient without compromising care.
The Step-by-Step Root Canal Process
Here’s what usually happens during the entire procedure.
1. Initial treatment and assessment
Your dentist begins by examining the affected tooth using X-rays to see the shape of the root canal system and identify signs of infection. They’ll also discuss your symptoms, whether it’s mild discomfort, tooth hurts when biting, or severe pain.
2. Anaesthesia and isolation
You’ll receive local anaesthesia to ensure a comfortable tooth experience. A dental dam (a small protective sheet) is placed around the tooth to keep the area clean and dry throughout the dental procedure.
3. Accessing the pulp chamber
A small opening is made on the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp. The dentist then removes the soft tissue and cleans the inside of the canals.
4. Cleaning and shaping the canals
The canals are cleaned with tiny instruments and antibacterial solutions to remove any debris and stop the bacterial infection. The dentist then shapes the canals so they can be properly sealed later.
5. Filling and sealing the canals
Once the canals have been thoroughly cleaned, they are then sealed using a rubber-based filling material known as gutta-percha. A temporary filling is often used to protect the opening while the tooth recovers.
6. Placing a permanent filling or crown
After the tooth has healed, the temporary filling is swapped for a permanent filling or crown to bring back its strength and appearance. This step completes the treatment process and prevents further infection.
Single-Visit vs. Multi-Visit Root Canals
Depending on the case, your dentist may complete the treatment in one visit or over two or more appointments.
- Single-visit root canal: Common when there’s no active infection or significant swelling. It’s faster, and you leave with the treated tooth restored the same day.
- Multi-visit root canal: Necessary if there’s infection, swelling, or deep tooth decay. The dentist may place medication inside the tooth between visits to kill remaining bacteria and prevent root canal infection from returning.
In such cases, the entire procedure might take two to three hours in total, split across separate dental appointments.
What to Expect After the Treatment
It’s quite common to experience slight discomfort or mild pain for several days following the procedure. This happens because the surrounding gum tissue may remain inflamed from the earlier infection or the cleaning process.
The discomfort can typically be eased with pharmacy pain relief and adequate rest. Most people resume normal activities soon after the dental surgery.
Your dentist will provide instructions on:
- Not chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent new infections
- Reporting any persistent pain or swelling
A successful root canal treatment should relieve pain and allow the tooth to heal fully within the expected recovery period.
Extended Healing Time and Recovery Period
The recovery period for a root canal varies depending on the individual and the tooth’s condition. Most people feel back to normal within a few days, but healing may take longer if the infection was severe or if the tooth needed more than one visit.
An extended healing time might occur if:
- The infected tooth had an abscess
- There was damage to nearby blood vessels or connective tissue
- The tooth pulp was severely infected or damaged
- You have multiple treated teeth in the same area
Keeping the area clean, avoiding hard foods, and following your dentist’s aftercare advice helps ensure proper healing.
When a Root Canal Might Take Longer
Sometimes, a root canal takes longer than usual because of the tooth’s complexity. For example:
- Hidden canals: Some teeth have extra or curved canals that are difficult to detect and clean.
- Multiple canals: Molars may have three or four canals, requiring more precise work.
- Previous dental work: Teeth that have existing filling material or crowns can take extra time to reopen and treat.
- Severe infection: A root canal infection can spread into surrounding tissues, requiring additional medication or drainage before sealing.
- Compromised structure: A damaged tooth with limited structure may need reinforcement before it can be safely restored.
Your dentist may recommend or prescribe antibiotics beforehand if the infection has spread beyond the tooth, which may delay the initial stage of treatment.
How a Root Canal Compares to Extraction
If you’re wondering whether to have the tooth removed instead, it’s important to know that keeping your natural tooth is usually better for long-term oral health. Removing a tooth can cause nearby teeth to move out of place and may result in gradual bone loss.
Undergoing root canal therapy helps preserve your bite alignment and normal chewing ability. With proper care and a permanent crown, the treated tooth can last for many years.
How to Support Healing and Prevent Future Issues
After your root canal, protecting the tooth and surrounding area is key. Here’s how to promote good oral hygiene and avoid another infection.
- Brush and floss regularly. Keep the root canal area clean, but avoid harsh pressure.
- Attend regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can monitor healing and identify early signs of trouble.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods. These can dislodge a temporary filling or damage a permanent crown.
- Address tooth discolouration. Some treated teeth may darken slightly, and cosmetic options can restore appearance if needed.
The Bottom Line
So, how long does a root canal take? For most people, it is between 60 and 90 minutes per session, depending on your tooth anatomy, the infection level, and whether you need more than one visit.
Though the process might sound lengthy, it’s designed to relieve pain, stop bacterial infection, and save your natural tooth. With modern techniques, local anaesthesia, and careful planning, the root canal procedure is typically no more uncomfortable or time-consuming than getting a regular filling.
When managed well, the treatment process restores your comfort and supports lasting results, helping you maintain a healthy tooth and long-term oral health.
If you’re concerned about how long a root canal might take or want clear guidance on what to expect, book a consultation with us at Definitive Dental or call (02) 6105 9833.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Cherney, K. (2023). ‘What Is Good Oral Hygiene?’. Colgate, 9 January. New York, NY: Colgate-Palmolive Company. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). ‘Cavities and Tooth Decay’. Mayo Clinic, 30 November. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2025). ‘Tooth Extraction’. Cleveland Clinic, 4 April. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction