How long does it take to do a root canal?

A root canal typically takes between one and two hours to complete in a single setting, according to Lawson Dental. The level of difficulty of the specific case affects whether the procedure is at the shorter or longer end of this time frame.

Treatment advances have simplified root canals and made them more efficient as of 2015, reports Lawson Dental. Additional time is often required to put a crown on teeth at the back of the mouth after a root canal. This restoration step is often completed in a follow-up visit, reports the American Association of Endodontists. Tooth extraction is an alternative to a root canal.