You’ve been told you need a root canal, and now your brain is doing what most people’s brains do: jumping straight to “how long will I be in that chair?” It’s a fair question, and the answer is more reassuring than you might expect. For most patients, a root canal is completed in a single appointment, and many walk out the door within 60 to 90 minutes, tooth saved and pain on its way out.
If you’ve been putting off treatment because you’re not sure what to expect, root canal therapy at West Atlanta Endodontics is designed to take the mystery out of the process. Our doctors, Dr. David Norrington and Dr. James Smithson II, believe that a well-informed patient is a calm patient, and we make it a point to walk you through every step before we begin. Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you sit down to the moment you head home.
What Happens During a Root Canal Appointment
A root canal appointment has a clear, predictable flow. The specifics can vary based on the tooth being treated and the complexity of your case, but the core steps remain consistent.
Examination and Imaging
The appointment begins with a thorough examination and imaging of the affected tooth. We use cone beam CT technology, which provides three-dimensional views of your tooth and the surrounding bone, giving us a precise map before any treatment starts. This is more detailed than a standard two-dimensional X-ray and helps us anticipate any anatomical complexities. Once we have a clear picture, we walk you through our findings and confirm the treatment plan.
Getting You Numb
Before anything else happens inside the tooth, we make sure you are completely comfortable. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area thoroughly. Dr. Norrington and Dr. Smithson both take time at this stage, sitting with patients and answering questions before proceeding. For patients who experience anxiety around injections or dental procedures in general, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options to help you relax. We do not move forward until you are fully numb.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Once the tooth is numb and isolated, we create a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. We use specialized instruments to remove the infected or inflamed pulp, then carefully clean and shape the root canals. This is the most time-intensive part of the procedure. A molar, for example, can have three or four canals, each requiring thorough attention. We use ultrasonic irrigation at this stage, which uses ultrasonic energy to clean deep inside the canals in a way that standard rinsing alone cannot achieve.
Sealing the Tooth
After the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled and sealed. We use Ion Plus, a biocompatible ceramic sealer, to close off the canals completely. Biocompatible means the material is designed to work safely with the surrounding tissues of your body. A temporary filling is placed over the access opening, and your general dentist will follow up to place a permanent crown. You can review the full step-by-step breakdown of this process from the American Association of Endodontists.
How Long Does the Whole Appointment Take
For most straightforward cases involving a front tooth or premolar, the appointment runs between 60 and 90 minutes. Molars, which have more complex canal systems, can take closer to 90 minutes or longer, depending on the anatomy. In some cases, if there is a significant infection present or the canals are unusually curved, a second visit may be needed to complete treatment. We will always tell you upfront if your case is one that may require more than one appointment.
One thing that sets our office apart is that we intentionally limit the number of root canals performed each day. While in-network offices often treat a high volume of patients back-to-back, we cap our daily caseload so that no appointment feels rushed. You receive our full attention, not a hurried experience. This is a deliberate choice, and it shows in the care we’re able to provide.
What to Expect After Your Appointment
The numbness from the local anesthetic typically wears off within a few hours. It is normal to experience some mild soreness or pressure in the treated area for a few days following the procedure. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and is a sign that your body is healing, not a cause for concern. You can find detailed guidance on what to expect in our post-treatment discomfort information.
Most patients are surprised by how quickly they feel better after the appointment. In many cases, the pre-treatment infection was causing far more discomfort than the procedure itself. If you experience anything beyond mild sensitivity, our office is available to help. We also encourage patients heading into their first visit to review our instructions for before endodontic treatment so they know how to prepare.
Schedule Your Root Canal at West Atlanta Endodontics
If you have been referred for a root canal or are experiencing tooth pain and want answers, West Atlanta Endodontics is here to help. Our team serves patients from Marietta, Cartersville, East Cobb, and the surrounding communities. We offer same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain, and our staff handles insurance calculations and billing directly so you can focus on getting the care you need. To learn more about the endodontic procedures we offer and what to expect from your first visit, explore our patient resources.Getting a root canal should not be an experience defined by anxiety or uncertainty. Dr. Norrington’s background in mechanical engineering and Dr. Smithson’s research in anesthetic efficacy both reflect a practice built on precision and patient comfort. When you’re ready to move forward, contact our office to schedule your appointment.
