Root Canal Timing: Will You Be in the Chair All Day?

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, chances are you’re already imagining a long, uncomfortable afternoon in the dental chair. The idea of being stuck there for hours is enough to make anyone feel uneasy. But here’s the good news: most root canals are far quicker than people expect.  

If you’re scheduled for a root canal in Boca Raton, you probably won’t need to cancel your entire day. Let’s talk about what kind of time commitment this treatment actually involves. 

What Impacts the Time Needed for a Root Canal? 

Number of Canals in the Tooth 

The structure of your tooth plays a big role. Front teeth usually have one canal, which means a shorter, simpler procedure. Molars, on the other hand, often have three or more canals that need cleaning, shaping, and filling. More canals means more time, but it’s still manageable. 

Infection Level and Tooth Condition 

If the tooth is severely infected or there’s inflammation in the surrounding area, your dentist might need extra time to clean out all the damaged tissue. In some cases, it’s better to treat the infection over two visits to ensure full healing before sealing the tooth. This doesn’t add hours to one visit, it just means your treatment is split into manageable appointments. 

Same-Day Crown vs. Temporary Restoration 

After a root canal, the tooth must be sealed with either a permanent crown or a temporary filling. If your dentist offers same-day crowns using in-house technology, you can walk out with the final restoration in one visit. If not, you’ll come back for a follow-up, but the root canal portion is already complete. 

Average Time in the Chair 

For root canal treatment, patients can expect an average time spent in the chair to be about 60 to 90 minutes. Front teeth may be done in less than an hour, while molars usually take around 90 minutes. Complex cases or multi-rooted teeth might require two visits, but each one is still within that timeframe. 

What to Expect Before, During, and After 

Before the Procedure 

You’ll start with a thorough exam and possibly X-rays to assess the root structure and infection. Most root canal treatments don’t require special prep—just eat beforehand and take any medications your dentist recommends. 

During the Procedure 

Once the area is numb, your dentist removes the infected pulp, shapes the canal, disinfects it, and fills it. You shouldn’t feel pain during this process. If anything, many patients say it’s easier than getting a filling. 

After the Appointment 

You might feel mild soreness once the anesthesia wears off, but it’s usually handled with over-the-counter medication. Most people return to work or normal activity the same day. The important thing is to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s restored with a crown or filling. 

Do You Have More Questions About Root Canal in Boca Raton? 

Root canals don’t take all day, and they certainly don’t deserve the bad reputation. If you’ve been putting off treatment because you’re worried about time, comfort, or complexity—talk to a dentist who can walk you through it clearly.  

At 5th Avenue Dental, we focus on making root canal treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible. Our team will guide you through every step and provide a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect. Contact us today for an appointment!