How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canals take 30 to 90 minutes. Front teeth are faster. Molars take longer. Some cases need two visits. Either way, the goal is simple: save your tooth and stop the pain.
If you have been putting off treatment because you are worried about time or pain, this guide will help. At Dental Faith in Nashville, we make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Average Time for a Root Canal
Simple cases, like front teeth, can be done in 30 to 60 minutes. Most treatments fall in the 60 to 90 minute range. Molars often take longer because they have more canals to clean.
Keep in mind that setup and anesthesia add time too. Your dentist will give you a time estimate after examining your tooth.
Root Canal Time by Tooth Type
| Tooth Type | Average Time |
| Front Tooth (Incisor or Canine) | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Premolar | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Molar | 90 minutes or more |
Why Some Root Canals Take Longer
Type of Tooth
Front teeth have one canal. Back teeth (molars) have up to four. More canals means more time to clean and fill. According to Cleveland Clinic, most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes.
Severity of Infection
A bad infection may need extra cleaning time. Sometimes medicine is placed inside the tooth to fight bacteria. The dentist then seals the tooth temporarily and brings you back to finish.
Number of Visits
Simple cases are often done in one visit. More complex cases may need two appointments. Your dentist will let you know what to expect before treatment starts.
Technology Used
Digital X-rays and modern tools help your dentist work faster and more accurately. At Dental Faith, we use digital impressions and updated equipment to give you the best care possible.
Step by Step: What Happens at Your Appointment
Knowing what to expect makes the whole experience less stressful. Here is what typically happens:
1. Exam and X-rays: Your dentist checks the tooth and takes X-rays to see the infection.
2. Numbing the area: Local anesthesia is used so you do not feel pain during the procedure.
3. Cleaning the infected pulp: The dentist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth.
4. Shaping and disinfecting: The canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling.
5. Filling the canals: A rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to fill the empty space.
6. Temporary filling: A temporary seal is placed to protect the tooth.
7. Crown placement (later visit): A permanent crown is placed at a follow-up appointment to protect your tooth long term. Our dental crowns are designed to look and feel natural.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is the biggest worry most patients have. The honest answer: no, it should not hurt.
Local anesthesia keeps the area numb throughout the procedure. Most patients say it feels about the same as getting a filling. You may feel some pressure, but not pain.
Mild soreness after is normal. It usually goes away within a few days. If you have severe tooth pain before your appointment, the root canal itself is what brings relief.
How Long Does Root Canal Recovery Take?
Most people recover in less than a week. You might feel mild soreness for a couple of days. That is normal.
To help healing, eat soft foods for a few days. Avoid chewing on the treated side. Brush and floss gently. Avoid smoking, as it slows healing.
Call your dentist if pain lasts longer than one week or gets worse. That could mean the infection is still present. Dental Faith offers emergency dental care when you need fast help.
Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction
A root canal saves your natural tooth. Extraction removes it. Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better choice.
When a tooth is pulled, you need a replacement. That usually means a dental bridge or implant. Both take more time and cost more than a root canal.
Natural teeth also help keep your bite even and your other teeth in place. Our restorative dentistry team will always try to save your tooth before recommending extraction.
When Should You Call a Dentist?
Do not wait if you notice any of these signs:
Severe tooth pain that does not go away
Swelling in your jaw or gums
A dark or discolored tooth
Pain when chewing or pressing on the tooth
A pimple or bump on your gums
Infections do not heal on their own. The sooner you come in, the better your options. Dental Faith in Nashville offers gentle, affordable care for the whole family.
Why Patients in Nashville Trust Dental Faith
Dr. M. Paula Fedler has over 20 years of experience. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific. She is also a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Tennessee Dental Association (TDA).
Dr. Fedler and her team are fluent in both English and Spanish. They serve families across Nashville, Brentwood, and Antioch with gentle, compassionate care.
“Come experience the gentle side of dentistry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take from start to finish?
Most root canals take 60 to 90 minutes. Simple cases on front teeth may take 30 to 60 minutes. Complex molar cases may take longer or need two visits.
How long does a root canal take on a molar?
Molars typically take 90 minutes or more. They have up to four canals, which takes more time to clean and fill properly.
Can a root canal be done in one visit?
Yes, many root canals are completed in a single visit. Complex or severely infected cases may need two appointments.
Is a root canal painful?
No. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout. Most patients say the procedure is no worse than getting a filling. Mild soreness after is normal and fades quickly.
How long are you numb after a root canal?
Numbness from local anesthesia usually lasts two to four hours after the procedure. Avoid eating until feeling returns to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness wears off. Then stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup for a few days. Avoid hard or crunchy foods on the treated side.
How long does it take to get a crown after a root canal?
A crown is usually placed at a follow-up visit, one to two weeks after the root canal. Some offices may place it sooner depending on your case.
Need a Root Canal in Nashville?
Call or text Dental Faith at (615) 285-3949. We serve Nashville, Brentwood, and Antioch. Bilingual staff available in English and Spanish. Visit us at 390 Harding Place, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37211.