Healthcare & Appointments
How long does a root canal take?
Estimated wait
~1 hour
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
- Faster cases~55 minutes
- Average cases~1 hour
- Slower casesUp to 2 hours
This is the time in the chair for the procedure itself, not counting the crown that is often placed afterwards at a later visit. Actual time depends on the tooth and the dentist. General information, not dental advice.
A root canal usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes per appointment, with most taking around 60 to 90 minutes. A simple front tooth with one root is quicker; a molar with several canals can take up to about 2 hours.
More details
Many root canals are finished in a single visit, but if the tooth is badly infected the dentist may split it into two appointments, with a filling and medication in between.
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.