How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Have you ever heard of a root canal at the dentist and wondered what it means? Many kids and even grown-ups feel scared because they don’t know what happens. Don’t worry—let’s explain it in a simple way.

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth, there is a soft part called the pulp. It has tiny nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive.

Sometimes, the pulp gets sick or infected because of:

• A big cavity (hole in the tooth)
• A broken tooth
• Germs going inside the tooth

When this happens, the tooth hurts a lot. To save the tooth, the dentist does a root canal.

In a root canal, the dentist:

1. Takes out the sick pulp.
2. Cleans the inside of the tooth.
3. Fills and seals the tooth so germs can’t come back.

How Long Does It Take?

A root canal does not take all day. Most of the time, it takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.

• Front teeth (the ones you see when you smile): About 30–60 minutes
• Middle teeth (premolars): About 60–75 minutes
• Back teeth (molars): About 90 minutes or a little more

The back teeth take longer because they have more roots and more little spaces to clean.

Why Can It Take Longer Sometimes?

The time depends on a few things:

1. Which tooth it is – Front teeth are faster, back teeth are slower.
2. How sick the tooth is – If there is a big infection, it may take longer.
3. How tricky the tooth is – Some teeth have curvy or very tiny canals that take more time.
4. What the dentist needs to do next – Sometimes the dentist also puts a crown (a cap) on the tooth to keep it safe.

One Visit or Two Visits?

Sometimes the dentist can finish everything in one visit. But if the tooth is very sick, you may need two visits.

• First visit: The dentist cleans the tooth and puts a temporary cover.
• Second visit: The dentist seals the tooth and puts a crown if needed.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Here’s what usually happens step by step:

1. Numbing (5–10 minutes): The dentist gives medicine so you don’t feel pain.
2. Making a small hole (10–15 minutes): The dentist makes a tiny hole in the tooth.
3. Cleaning (20–45 minutes): The dentist removes the bad pulp and cleans the inside.
4. Filling (10–20 minutes): The tooth is filled with a special material.
5. Covering (15–30 minutes): A filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth.

After the Root Canal

• Your mouth may feel numb for a few hours.
• You may feel a little sore for a few days.
• You can eat and talk normally after it heals.
• With a crown, the tooth becomes strong again.

Easy Tips Before and After

• Don’t worry, the dentist will keep you comfortable.
• Bring music or a story to listen to if you feel nervous.
• Follow the dentist’s advice after the treatment.

The Simple Answer

A root canal usually takes about 1 hour, but sometimes it can be shorter or longer. Front teeth are quick, back teeth take more time.

The most important thing is: a root canal saves your tooth and stops the pain!

Remember: A root canal is not scary. It’s a smart way to fix a tooth and keep your smile healthy.