When preparing for a dental procedure, one of the most popular questions is, “How long will it take?” Some treatments may only require an hour or less; however, a root canal might require more of your time. Keep reading to find out how long you can expect to be in the treatment chair and what kind of recovery timeframe is considered normal.
What Determines a Root Canal’s Timeframe?
When learning you need a root canal to avoid extraction, your dentist will closely examine the interior of your tooth to determine how much time is necessary to administer treatment and ensure successful results.
The average timeframe for treating a tooth with a single root canal is between 30 and 60 minutes.
If it is a tooth located toward the back of your mouth – a molar – you can expect your procedure to take longer (an estimated 90 minutes) than if it was a front tooth undergoing treatment. The reason is that back teeth often have multiple root canals, so your dentist will need more time to clean them out thoroughly to ensure no bacteria remain.
You must also consider the time it takes to administer anesthesia and set up the surgical space.
What Does a Normal Recovery Timeline Look Like?
Once your dentist is finished with your root canal, you will be instructed to return home (with the help of a family member or friend) and begin the recovery process.
It will take time for the anesthesia to wear off, so it’s best to avoid eating anything until you are no longer numb. By this time, many individuals can resume normal activity; however, no two patients are the same, so you’ll need to survey how you feel first.
During the first week, you will notice an improvement in the way your mouth feels, allowing you to resume most of your normal eating habits. By the following week, you will likely be back to your normal self and feel confident in the state of your smile.
While it’s possible for root canal recovery to take a week or more, you may feel “normal” and ready to return to work after just a few days.
Undergoing this type of procedure is a safe and effective way to avoid extraction and keep your natural smile intact. Even if the timeframe for treatment requires that you take it easy for a few weeks, you’ll find it to be a worthwhile investment because of the long-lasting results you can expect.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is committed to helping patients keep their natural smiles as long as possible. When severe decay or damage results in root canal treatment, our dentists will use their expertise to administer care in a more efficient, comfortable, and reliable way. If your smile could benefit from a root canal, call our office and speak to a member of our team who can go over the details of the procedure and recovery timeframe.