How Long Does a Root Canal Take? What to Expect

If you've been told you need a root canal, the first question most patients ask is simple: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it depends on the tooth, but most root canal treatments are completed in one to two visits, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

What happens during the appointment

A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleans the area, and seals it to prevent further infection. Front teeth, which usually have a single root canal, tend to be quicker to treat. Molars at the back of the mouth often have two or three canals, which is why they sometimes need a second visit to complete fully.

Why timing varies

A few factors affect how long your specific treatment takes: how many canals the tooth has, how advanced the infection is, and whether the tooth has been treated before. A first-time root canal on a front tooth might be done in under an hour. A molar with a deeper infection may need the full session plus a follow-up to finish and fit a crown.

What recovery feels like

Mild discomfort for a day or two afterward is normal and usually managed with regular pain relief. Most patients are back to normal eating and talking within 24 to 48 hours.

Should you wait if you're in pain?

If you're noticing sharp pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, or swelling near a tooth, these are signs worth getting checked sooner rather than later — untreated infections don't resolve on their own and tend to get more painful, not less. Not sure what your symptoms mean? Here's a breakdown of common causes of tooth pain when chewing and when it's time to see a dentist.

Considering root canal treatment in Wadala?

The Smile Canvas Dental Clinic in Wadala East, Mumbai offers root canal treatment as one of its core services. You can read more about the Root Canal treatment process here, or book a consultation directly through the clinic's page.