For most teeth, a root canal takes 60–90 minutes — one visit. Multi-canal molars can take up to 2 hours, occasionally requiring a second visit. Plus a follow-up 2–3 weeks later to place the crown that protects the treated tooth long-term.
The basic timeline
- Single-canal teeth (front teeth): 45–60 minutes.
- Two-canal teeth (premolars): 60–90 minutes.
- Three- or four-canal molars: 90–120 minutes, sometimes split across two visits.
- Crown placement (separate visit): ~60 minutes, typically 2–3 weeks after the root canal.
What happens during the procedure
- Numbing (5–10 minutes): local anesthetic applied. The area is fully numb before any work begins.
- Isolation (5 minutes): a small rubber dam isolates the tooth, keeping it dry and bacteria-free during the procedure.
- Access (10–15 minutes): a small opening is made through the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- Cleaning the canals (30–60 minutes): specialized rotary instruments remove the pulp and clean each canal. Disinfecting solution flushes through to clear bacteria. This is the longest step.
- Sealing (10–15 minutes): a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) is placed in each cleaned canal, sealed with a small temporary or permanent filling.
Why some take longer than others
- Number of canals: incisors usually have one. Premolars have one or two. Molars typically have three or four.
- Canal anatomy: some canals are curved, narrow, or have unusual branching. Cleaning them takes more time.
- Severity of infection: heavily infected pulp may require additional cleaning passes or a calcium hydroxide rinse left in place between two visits.
- Re-treatments: a previously root-canal-treated tooth that’s failed takes longer than a first-time treatment.
Single visit vs two visits
Most root canals at our office are completed in a single visit. We split into two visits when:
- The tooth is heavily infected and benefits from a medicated rinse left in place for 1–2 weeks.
- The canal anatomy is exceptionally complex.
- The patient prefers a shorter chair time and is willing to come back.
Don’t forget the crown
A root-canal-treated tooth is more brittle than a healthy tooth because the inner pulp is gone. Without a crown protecting it, the tooth often fractures within 1–2 years — and then it’s lost anyway. The crown step (typically 2–3 weeks after the root canal) is not optional — it’s what makes root canal therapy a long-term success.
Cost
Our self-pay root canal therapy is $899 per tooth. The follow-up zirconia crown is $899. Together, that’s $1,698 for a fully treated and protected tooth — significantly less than the $2,498 cost of replacing the tooth with an implant if it fractures from skipping the crown.
Need a root canal?
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, or pain when biting, call us at (817) 237-3232. Same-day emergency appointments available. Or book online.
Learn more about Endodontic Dentistry at Northwest Family Dental.