Root canals are a common procedure done by all dentists. The purpose of the procedure is to save an infected tooth from extraction. If you have been experiencing tooth sensitivity or have been told you are in need of this procedure, you may be asking questions about what it is and how long it will take. This guide will answer those questions for you.

Why a root canal and what is the procedure?

This procedure is reserved for cases of significant infection in a tooth that a normal cavity filling will not solve. Over time a cavity or tooth injury can cause the pulp of a tooth to become infected. The pulp is the living tissue at the center of every tooth. When this becomes infected, if it is not addressed early on, it can lead to severe pain and potentially more significant dental issues. This procedure is meant to save the tooth from ultimate extraction.

During the procedure, the pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and cleared of the infection. Once it is dried, the tooth is filled. In most cases, it is eventually capped. With proper care, this procedure will last many years.

How long will it take?

The length of time that this procedure will take will ultimately depend on how severe the infection is. The more significant the infection, the longer the procedure will take. In most cases, the procedure will be done over two office visits.

On the first visit, the dentist will administer local amnesia to numb the area of the tooth. The dentist will access the inside of the tooth by drilling. Once he or she has accessed the inside of the tooth, they will remove the pulp and clear out the infection. Once it has dried, the dentist will fill the interior of the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. Then the dentist will put a temporary filling in the opening of the tooth and send you home. After a few weeks, you will have a second visit. On this visit, the dentist will remove the temporary filling and then will put in a permanent filling. In most cases, a crown will be put on the tooth for further protection.

In recent years, some dentists have been working to get the procedure down to one visit. If your infection is not too severe, your dentist may do this. If this is the case, you will just skip the temporary filling and have a permanent one installed.

The length of time that the appointment will take will vary on which tooth and how severe the infection. In general, single canal teeth in the front take less time than two or three canal teeth like molars in the back. In most cases, front teeth will take between 30 minutes and one hour. Root canals of molars can take between one hour and 90 minutes. These estimates do not take into consideration the severity of the infection. If your tooth is significantly infected, this can add time to the procedure.

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