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Dentistry If you’re trying to fit treatment around work, family or other commitments, one of your first questions may be:
How long am I actually going to be at the dentist?
There isn’t one appointment length that applies to every root canal.
The NHS advises that root canal treatment usually involves two or more appointments, with appointments often lasting around one to two hours and sometimes longer.
But this is a general guide rather than a timetable for your treatment.
Some cases may be completed differently.
The time required depends on the tooth, its anatomy and the treatment needed.
Look at your front teeth and your back teeth.
They clearly aren’t the same shape on the outside – and they aren’t the same on the inside either.
Different teeth can have different numbers of roots and root canals.
The anatomy can also vary between individuals.
Some root canal systems are relatively straightforward.
Others may be narrow, curved or complex.
That affects the time required to assess, clean, shape and fill them.
Yes.
A front tooth will generally have a different root canal anatomy from a molar at the back of your mouth.
But tooth type alone doesn’t tell us exactly how long treatment will take.
Two apparently similar teeth can have different anatomy and different clinical problems.
There are several possible reasons.
Treatment may need to be carried out in stages.
Your clinician may need additional time to:
A temporary restoration may be placed between appointments where appropriate.
Your clinician will explain the anticipated sequence for your tooth.
Not necessarily.
“Specialist” doesn’t translate into a standard longer or shorter appointment.
Specialist cases may themselves be more complex, which can affect treatment time.
At Evolve, Dr Alex Brett, Specialist Endodontist, will explain the anticipated appointment requirements after assessing the tooth.
Retreatment can involve additional stages because the tooth has already undergone root canal treatment.
Alex may need to manage:
This is why it isn’t sensible to assume that an initial root canal and a retreatment will take the same amount of time.
Read: What is root canal retreatment?
If existing material or a post needs to be removed to gain access to the root canal system, this may add complexity and treatment time.
Whether removal is appropriate can only be established after assessment.
Many people return to normal daily activities after dental treatment, but individual circumstances vary.
Your mouth may remain numb after your appointment and the tooth or surrounding tissues can feel tender.
If you have a particularly long or complex appointment – or your work has particular physical demands – you may prefer to plan some flexibility afterwards.
Ask Alex what he would recommend for your particular treatment.
If you’ve only had local anaesthetic, this does not normally prevent you from driving.
However, follow the specific advice you’re given, particularly if any medication or sedation has been used or if there is another reason driving would not be appropriate.
Follow the instructions your clinician gives you.
If a temporary restoration is being used, Alex will explain how to look after the tooth and what to do if you experience a problem before your next appointment.
Keep your next appointment as planned unless the practice advises otherwise.
Not necessarily.
Root canal treatment deals with the root canal system.
The tooth also needs to be appropriately restored.
Depending on your circumstances, this may be completed at Evolve or by your usual dentist.
If you’ve been referred to Alex by another dentist, we’ll make sure the next stage of care is clear.
Some treatment may be completed in one visit, while other cases require more than one appointment. It depends on the tooth and clinical circumstances.
Because the complexity of the tooth and treatment required first needs to be understood.
Molar teeth often have more complex root canal systems than some other teeth, but appointment requirements depend on the individual case.
There is no standard duration. Previous treatment and existing restorations can add complexity, so Alex will advise you after assessment.
Local anaesthetic can continue to affect the area for some time after treatment. Your clinician will advise you about looking after your mouth while sensation returns.
Read: What happens during root canal treatment?
Or download:
Your guide to root canal treatment
The time needed for root canal treatment depends on the tooth being treated, the complexity of its root canals and whether it has been treated previously.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we offer both general root canal treatment and specialist endodontic care with Dr Alex Brett.
Following an assessment, your clinician can explain what treatment may involve, how many appointments are anticipated and what happens afterwards.
You can contact Evolve directly for a specialist endodontic assessment, even if you’re registered with another dental practice.
Explore root canal treatment at Evolve Dentistry
If you’ve been referred for specialist treatment – or would like to self-refer – speak to our team about an assessment with Dr Alex Brett, Specialist Endodontist.
Contact Evolve
For independent information, read the NHS guide to root canal treatment.
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
🦷 Day one, first clinic!
Carol has sent us the first photos from her trip — and what a first day it’s been!
Working alongside five other dentists, the team saw an incredible 197 patients in just one day. ❤️
In Carol’s words:
“I’ve taken out more teeth today than I have in the past year!”
A very different day in dentistry from the ones Carol is used to back home at Evolve, and a reminder of just how much need there is for the care the team is providing.
We’re so proud of her — and we’ll be sharing more updates and photos from Carol’s trip as they come in. 🌍🦷
#EvolveDentistry #DentalOutreach #Dentistry #MakingADifference
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?
There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.
Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.
#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
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