No one wants to undergo a root canal, but if you have a tooth that’s severely damaged or decayed, it might be required for your oral health. If your dentist already informed you that you need this procedure, you may have some questions about what to expect. One common inquiry many patients have right away is about scheduling. You’re probably wondering how long the procedure takes and what the usual timeline is for recovery. Knowing this information can help you plan accordingly so that your responsibilities don’t fall through the cracks during the process. Keep reading to learn more!
How Long Do Root Canals Usually Take?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique so only your dentist can truly let you know how long they think your procedure will last. The length of the procedure itself varies somewhat based on the kind of tooth needing repair. You can safely estimate the following for each type of tooth:
- Molars: 90 minutes or longer. These are in the back of your mouth which makes them harder to reach. They also have 4 roots each which means there’s more work for your dentist to do.
- Premolars: 60 minutes. These teeth sit between your anterior teeth and molars and have 1 to 2 roots each.
- Canines and Incisors: 45 to 60 minutes. These are easily accessible, and each has only 1 root.
This is enough time for your dentist to numb the area, remove the infected tooth pulp, and then fill and seal your tooth. In most cases, you’ll have a dental crown placed over your vulnerable tooth.
How Long Until I’m Fully Recovered?
While you might have some swelling and soreness immediately after your appointment, it should fade within the next few days. A typical timeline for recovery following your surgery looks like this:
- Day of procedure: You’ll likely feel uncomfortable as the anesthetic wears off, but over-the-counter pain medications can help.
- Days 1 to 2: There still could be some mild tenderness around the affected tooth.
- Days 3 to 5: There should be little to no noticeable issues.
- Days 6 to 10: Any discomfort should be fully resolved.
A root canal is considered a surgical procedure and therefore comes with special instructions to follow that ensure you mend as quickly as possible and without complications. If you’re still feeling aches after a week or two, contact your dentist. They’ll walk you through some suggestions to alleviate the problem or request that you come back into the office so the dentist can check up on your condition.
Soon, you’ll be back on your feet and pain-free!
About the Practice
At Dentistry at Hickory Flat, our dedicated dental team is committed to delivering high-quality care with compassion and understanding. We provide a wide range of dental services, including root canals. We are pleased to offer amenities to reduce your anxiety and are glad to walk you through each step of the process, so you know exactly what to expect. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (770) 213-8166.