Did you know root canals can take two or more dental visits? That’s right: a root canal procedure may need additional care from your dentist for various reasons; this may be because you have an infected tooth root or perhaps there’s another canal that needs to be treated.
We will cover exactly why you need a second appointment for your root canal procedure in just a second, but first, what’s a root canal? It is a dental procedure required when the tooth pulp (the centre of the tooth where you will find connective tissue and nerves) has become damaged by a bacterial infection. This often happens when there is a decay in the outer part of the tooth, exposing the internal part of the tooth. How will you know you need a root canal? If you experience a toothache when chewing or putting pressure on your tooth and notice a small hole or chip on it, it may be time to visit your dentist. X-rays will be taken of your teeth to assess whether the tooth pulp has been damaged and requires a root canal.
Put simply, a root canal procedure includes removing the infected pulp and replacing it with filler material. This is done by drilling a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp. This will all be done under local anaesthetic, and whilst you may feel some pressure, you should not feel any pain during the procedure.
Here’s why your root canal procedure may be spread across two or more appointments
The tooth you have a root canal on has more roots. Some teeth, such as molars, have more roots than your front incisor and canine teeth. Sometimes there is too much to extract and too many roots to treat in one sitting. In cases like this, your dentist will clear as much of the infected pulp as possible, disinfect the area, and then place a temporary filling to seal the area until the next treatment.
If the tooth is severely infected, it may take time to settle the infection before permanently sealing the tooth. In this case, your dentist will medicate the area to treat the infection and then continue the procedure until the infected pulp is cleared entirely.
You have calcified canals. This may be a new term to you: calcified canals are when you have calcium deposits within the pulp of the tooth. This narrows the canal significantly and can make a root canal a more time-consuming task. The most common cause of calcification within the canal is trauma to the tooth pulp.
Why Does a Root Canal Need 2 Appointments?
Many patients ask why a root canal needs 2 appointments instead of being completed in one visit. In many cases, a 2 part root canal procedure allows the dentist to clean the infected area thoroughly while giving the tooth time to settle before it is permanently sealed.
A second appointment may be necessary if the infection is severe, the canals are difficult to access, or the tooth has multiple roots that require additional care. This staged approach often improves healing and lowers the risk of reinfection.
If you are wondering why a root canal is done in 2 stages, the answer usually comes down to improving long-term treatment success while protecting as much of the natural tooth as possible.
What Happens During a Root Canal 2nd Sitting?
In the first sitting, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, and they will seal the tooth with a temporary filling. In the second sitting, this temporary filling will be removed, and the rest of the procedure will be completed. Once your dentist has finished removing infected pulp, they will pack the canal to prevent further infection and seal the tooth with a dental crown or a permanent filling.
Does a root canal hurt?
Your root canal treatment should not hurt, as you will be under local anaesthetic. Your dentist will ensure that you cannot feel anything before they start the treatment. As we mentioned before, you may feel pressure within your tooth when your dentist is working, but this should not be painful.
Root canal vs Extraction
A common question is What is the difference between a root canal and an extraction? The answer is simple: a root canal removes the damaged internal part of the tooth, leaving you with your natural tooth without pain. An extraction removes the whole tooth structure because it is deemed that the tooth cannot be saved. Where possible, it is great to opt for a root canal procedure to retain as many of your natural teeth as possible.
Can you feel pain after root canal treatment?
Minor pain after the treatment is common, as surrounding tissue may be inflamed from the treatment. It is unlikely that the internal part of your tooth will hurt after your treatment, as the part of the tooth that is causing you pain has been removed. The pain after the treatment should be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication; however, if you are still experiencing pain a week after your treatment, it’s time to get in touch with your dentist.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the condition of the tooth, and whether additional restoration work is required afterward. Because every case is different, it's best to book an appointment to discuss your case and pricing before treatment.
You can also explore our pricing details.
Root canal at Dental Concepts
If you think you may need treatment for an infected tooth, it is important to seek professional advice early. Delaying care can lead to worsening pain, abscess formation, and more complex dental complications over time.
At Dental Concepts, patients across Andover, Southampton, Sandbanks, Poole, Hampshire, and Whitchurch can access personalised dental care focused on preserving natural teeth and improving long-term oral health.
Want to treat your root canal or discuss your dental needs? Book an appointment with our team at Dental Concepts today.
FAQs
Why does a root canal take 2 visits?
Some treatments require multiple appointments because the dentist may need extra time to remove infection, medicate the tooth, and ensure the area heals correctly before placing the final seal or crown.
How many root canals can you have done at once?
This depends on the condition of your teeth, the complexity of treatment, and your comfort during longer dental visits. In some cases, dentists may treat more than one tooth during the same appointment.
Is a root canal's 2nd sitting painful?
The second visit is usually more comfortable because much of the infected tissue has already been removed during the first stage of treatment. Mild sensitivity afterwards is normal but typically manageable.
Why do root canals sometimes take two visits?
Root canal treatment may require two visits when a tooth has a complex root canal system, significant infection or inflammation, or needs additional cleaning and disinfection. The dentist assesses the tooth and decides whether treatment can be safely completed in one appointment or requires multiple visits.
Can a root canal be completed in one visit?
Yes, many root canal treatments can be completed in a single appointment. However, some cases require two or more visits depending on the severity of infection, the number and shape of root canals, and the complexity of the procedure.
What happens during the first root canal appointment?
During the first appointment, the dentist examines the affected tooth and may take dental X-rays. Local anaesthetic is administered to keep the procedure comfortable. The dentist then accesses the pulp chamber, removes infected or damaged pulp tissue, and cleans and shapes the root canals. A temporary filling may be placed if further treatment is required.
What happens during the second root canal appointment?
At the second appointment, the dentist reassesses the tooth and checks its condition. Depending on the treatment stage, the root canals may receive further cleaning and disinfection before being filled and sealed with a suitable material. A permanent filling or dental crown may then be recommended to restore the tooth.
How long does a root canal appointment take?
The duration of root canal treatment varies depending on the tooth being treated and the complexity of its root canal system. Treatment may take around 30–90 minutes or longer. Molars with multiple canals can require additional time compared with front teeth.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
Root canal treatment is generally performed under local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Some tenderness or sensitivity may occur after the procedure while the surrounding tissues recover. Contact your dentist if you experience severe or worsening pain or swelling.
Why does an infected tooth need two root canal appointments?
An infected tooth may require multiple appointments to allow thorough cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system. In certain cases, the dentist may place an antibacterial medication inside the canals and seal the tooth temporarily before completing treatment at a later visit.
What happens if you miss your second root canal appointment?
Missing your second appointment can delay completion of treatment and leave the tooth with a temporary filling for longer than intended. This may increase the risk of leakage, reinfection or damage. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to arrange another appointment.
Can you eat after the first root canal appointment?
You can usually eat once the numbness from local anaesthetic has worn off. However, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth, particularly if it has a temporary filling. Follow your dentist's instructions until the permanent restoration is completed.
Is it normal to have pain between root canal appointments?
Mild tenderness or sensitivity between appointments can occur following root canal treatment. However, persistent, severe or increasing pain, swelling or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by your dentist.
Do all molars need two root canal visits?
No. Molars often have multiple roots and a more complex root canal system, but they do not always require two visits. The number of appointments depends on the tooth's anatomy, the condition of the infection and the dentist's clinical assessment.
How long can a temporary filling stay in place after a root canal?
A temporary filling is intended to protect the tooth between treatment appointments. It should not be left in place longer than your dentist recommends. Arrange your follow-up appointment as advised and contact your dentist if the filling becomes loose or falls out.
What is the difference between root canal treatment and root canal retreatment?
Root canal treatment is performed to remove infected or damaged pulp tissue, clean the canals and seal the tooth. Root canal retreatment may be needed when a previously treated tooth develops a new infection or does not heal as expected. The dentist removes the previous root filling material, cleans the canals again and reseals them.
Do you need a dental crown after root canal treatment?
Not every tooth needs a dental crown after root canal treatment. However, a crown may be recommended, particularly for molars, to protect a weakened tooth from fracture and restore its function. The dentist will recommend an appropriate restoration based on the remaining tooth structure.
What is the success rate of root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment can successfully preserve many natural teeth, although outcomes vary depending on the tooth's condition, infection, treatment complexity and restoration. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help maintain the treated tooth.