How Long Does a Root Canal Take? Appointment Timeline Explained

What Happens During a Root Canal Appointment?

Understanding what takes place during a root canal appointment can help explain why the procedure requires the time it does. Each stage is carried out carefully and methodically to give the tooth the best chance of long-term success.

The main stages of a root canal appointment typically include:

• Administering local anaesthetic — the tooth and surrounding area are numbed thoroughly before any work begins, ensuring comfort throughout the procedure
• Accessing the tooth — a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber inside
• Cleaning the infected tissue — the infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned and shaped to remove bacteria
• Sealing the tooth — once cleaned, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection

Each of these stages takes time, and your dentist will work at a pace that prioritises thoroughness over speed. Rushing any part of the process could compromise the outcome.

How Long Is a Typical Root Canal Appointment?

While every case is different, most root canal appointments fall within a general time range. It is important to treat these as approximate guides rather than fixed promises, as actual times depend on the specific tooth and clinical situation.

• Simpler cases — treatment on a front tooth with a single, straightforward root canal may take around 45 minutes to an hour
• More complex cases — treatment on a molar with multiple root canals may take an hour and a half or longer per appointment
• Multi-visit treatment — when treatment is spread across two or more appointments, each session may be shorter, with the total time adding up across visits

Your dentist will give you an indication of expected appointment length during your initial assessment, but it is always wise to allow a little extra time in your schedule in case the procedure takes longer than anticipated. Thorough treatment is always more important than a quick appointment.

Does the Tooth Type Affect Treatment Time?

Yes — the type of tooth being treated is one of the most significant factors influencing how long root canal treatment takes.

• Front teeth (incisors and canines) — these typically have a single root canal, making them quicker and more straightforward to treat
• Premolars — these may have one or two root canals, adding moderate complexity to the procedure
• Molars — back teeth often have three or four root canals, each of which needs to be individually cleaned, shaped, and sealed. This naturally increases treatment time

Beyond the number of canals, accessibility also plays a role. Molars sit further back in the mouth, which can make them more challenging to work on. Your dentist will take all of these factors into account when planning your treatment and estimating the time required.

One Visit vs Multiple Visits — What's the Difference?

Some patients wonder whether root canal treatment can be completed in a single visit. In certain cases it can, but there are good reasons why staged treatment over two or more appointments is sometimes preferred.

When one visit may be possible:

• The tooth has a single, uncomplicated canal
• The infection is minimal or well-contained
• The tooth can be fully cleaned and sealed within a comfortable timeframe

When multiple visits are preferred:

• The tooth has multiple or complex canals requiring extended work
• There is significant infection that benefits from medicated dressings left between appointments
• The dentist wants to assess how the tooth responds before completing the seal

Spreading treatment over two visits is not a sign that something has gone wrong — it is often a deliberate clinical decision designed to give the tooth the best possible outcome. Your dentist will explain the reasoning behind the recommended approach.

What Can Extend Root Canal Treatment Time?

Several factors can make root canal treatment take longer than a straightforward case. Being aware of these helps set realistic expectations:

• Infection severity — more extensive infections may require additional cleaning, medicating, and monitoring before the tooth can be sealed
• Narrow or curved canals — some teeth have unusually narrow, curved, or branching root canals that require extra care and precision to clean properly
• Previous dental work — teeth that have had prior fillings, crowns, or previous root canal attempts may present additional challenges during treatment
• Calcified canals — over time, root canals can narrow due to calcification, making them more difficult to locate and clean

None of these factors should cause concern — they simply mean that your dentist may need more time or an additional appointment to complete the treatment thoroughly. Patience at this stage pays off in terms of long-term results.

What Happens Between Appointments?

If your root canal treatment is spread across two or more visits, there are a few things to be aware of during the time between appointments:

• Temporary filling — a temporary filling or dressing is placed to protect the tooth and keep bacteria out between visits. It is important to avoid chewing hard foods directly on this tooth
• Symptom monitoring — you may be asked to note how the tooth feels between appointments. Mild tenderness is normal, but any significant changes should be reported
• Protecting the tooth — be gentle with the treated tooth. Avoid sticky or very hard foods on that side, and maintain your usual oral hygiene routine

The time between appointments allows infection to settle and gives your dentist useful information about how the tooth is responding to treatment. Your next appointment will typically be scheduled within a few weeks.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Each Visit?

After each root canal appointment, some degree of post-treatment discomfort is normal. This is part of the body's natural healing response and is usually manageable.

• Mild soreness — the tooth and surrounding area may feel tender for a few days, particularly once the local anaesthetic wears off
• Biting sensitivity — the treated tooth may feel slightly sensitive to pressure when chewing, which typically improves over time
• Gradual improvement — most patients find that any discomfort eases significantly within a few days to a week

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually sufficient. If discomfort increases rather than improves, or if new symptoms develop, contacting your dental practice is advisable.

When Is the Final Crown or Filling Placed?

After root canal treatment is completed, the tooth needs a permanent restoration to protect it and restore full function. This is an important final step that should not be overlooked.

• Tooth strength after root canal — a root-treated tooth can become more brittle over time, which is why a permanent restoration is important for long-term protection
• Timing considerations — in some cases, the final crown or filling is placed at the same appointment as the root canal completion. In other cases, a separate appointment is arranged to allow the tooth to settle first
• Long-term protection — a well-fitted crown helps distribute biting forces evenly and reduces the risk of the tooth fracturing in the future

Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate restoration option for your tooth and explain the timeline for having it placed.

When to Contact the Dentist About Delays or Pain

While some tenderness between appointments is expected, there are certain symptoms that warrant contacting your dental practice sooner rather than later:

• Persistent or worsening discomfort — pain that does not improve after a few days or gets progressively worse
• Swelling or pressure — noticeable swelling in the gum, cheek, or jaw near the treated tooth
• Temporary filling issues — if the temporary filling chips, cracks, or comes out between visits
• General concerns — any symptom that feels unusual or worrying to you

It is always better to contact your practice and have the area checked than to wait and hope symptoms resolve on their own. Early assessment helps your dentist address any issues promptly. If you are experiencing significant pain, an emergency appointment may be appropriate.

Discussing Root Canal Treatment in London

At our London practice, we take the time to explain what root canal treatment involves before any work begins. This includes giving you a realistic indication of how long treatment is likely to take and how many appointments may be needed.

Our approach includes:

• Assessment-led timelines — we examine the tooth, assess the infection, and provide an honest estimate of the treatment plan
• Clear explanation of visits — we explain why a particular number of appointments is recommended and what will happen at each one
• Support throughout treatment — we check in with you at every stage and welcome any questions you may have

If you are planning root canal treatment and want to understand how many appointments may be involved, you are welcome to book a consultation. A thorough assessment can help clarify the expected timeline and put your mind at ease.