### What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure A root canal is a common dental procedure aimed at saving your natural tooth by removing damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: #### Duration - **Simple Root Canal:** 30-60 minutes if the tooth has one canal. - **Complex Root Canal:** 90 minutes or more, especially for molars with multiple canals. #### Factors Influencing Duration 1. **Severity of Infection:** More severe infections require more time to clean and disinfect. 2. **Type of Tooth:** Molars have more canals and take longer compared to front teeth like incisors and canines. 3. **Additional Procedures:** If a crown is needed, it may add extra time. #### Procedure Steps 1. **Anesthesia:** Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. 2. **Cleaning:** Damaged tissue is carefully removed, and the area is disinfected. 3. **Filling:** The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material. 4. **Sealing:** A temporary or permanent filling is placed. 5. **Crown Placement:** In some cases, a crown is placed to protect the tooth. #### Aftercare - **Pain Management:** Mild pain may occur for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. - **Diet:** Stick to softer foods until the tooth is fully healed. - **Oral Hygiene:** Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future issues. Root canals are generally less painful than the alternative of letting an infection worsen. If you have concerns about the duration or pain, consult your dentist for more personalized information.