How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals take about 1–2 hours. The exact time depends on which tooth is being treated and how complex the infection is. Your Aspen Dental care team will walk you through the plan before starting, so you know what to expect and can plan your day around it.

Thanks to modern anesthesia and techniques, we try to help our patients feel as comfortable as possible. You may notice some soreness or sensitivity afterward, but that can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication or instructions from your care team. Learn more about what to expect in our blog, does a root canal hurt.

Is root canal treatment an emergency?

In many cases, it can be. If the infection of the root canal inside your tooth spreads, it may affect nearby teeth, gums or even bone. That’s why it’s important to get care quickly when you notice lingering pain or swelling. Aspen Dental offers same-day appointments in many locations to treat urgent needs.

How long do root canals last?

With proper care, a root canal can last decades. After the procedure, your Aspen Dental dentist may recommend a crown to protect the tooth and restore strength. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups all play a role in keeping the treated tooth healthy long term.

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Root canal in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay

Name: Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay
Rating: 4.2

3737 Merle Hay Rd STE 300 Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 418-9848

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4.2

Featured Reviews

Eman helped us out today and gave us a very great experience. She treated us with kindness and respect. The entire staff was amazing.

I had a genuinely great experience at Aspen Dental and was pleasantly surprised by how thorough and professional the entire team was. Kara, Dr. Fatal, James, and Da-Eman — along with several other wonderful staff members — were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, offered thoughtful recommendations, and never once made me feel pressured. I appreciated having multiple treatment and financing options presented in a straightforward, respectful way, which made the whole process feel manageable and empowering. From start to finish, the care felt personalized, honest, and patient-centered. I highly recommend this Aspen Dental location to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate dental team.

Dentist is not favorite place to go but DA-Eman and her good vibe and good sense of humor help made my visit be more pleasant i definitely recommend asking for her to be the one be helping your visit

Root canal in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay

If you’re dealing with ongoing tooth pain or infection, a root canal may be the recommended treatment. At Aspen Dental in Des Moines, our care team provides root canal treatment close to home—so you don’t have to wait to feel relief.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is an endodontic treatment that cleans infection inside your tooth so we can save it instead of taking it out. If left untreated, the pulp that has nerves or tissue may die as a result of infection. Left untreated, an infected tooth can cause damage and lead to other issues. At Aspen Dental, your comfort is our priority at every step—we’ll explain everything and keep you comfortable throughout the process. If cost is what’s holding you back, don’t delay your visit—we accept most insurances and financing options—so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

What’s the process of getting a root canal at Aspen Dental?

At Aspen Dental, your comfort is our priority at every step:

Do I need root canal treatment?

You might need root canal treatment if you notice: tooth pain that doesn’t go away, sensitivity to hot or cold even after the infection is gone, pain when chewing, a cracked or broken tooth exposing the nerve, swelling in the gums or jaw, or a tooth that looks darker than the rest. These are all signs of infection, and by treating it quickly, Aspen Dental could save your tooth.

Why choose Aspen Dental for your root canal in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay?

Most insurance accepted

Explore dental insurance plans we accept. We do not accept Medicaid.

Same-day appointments

With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.

Made affordable for you

99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.

How much does root canal treatment cost in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay?

On average, patients pay $929¹. Factors that affect the cost of tooth canal treatment include: root canal location, tooth condition, type of provider, and individual treatment plan.

¹This average price of a root canal is an approximation based on 2025 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors. Price range varies from $550 to $1,545. For location specific pricing information, contact your local office.

Root canal in Des Moines, IA - Merle Hay FAQs

Explore answers to common questions so you know what to expect—before, during and after your root canal visit at Aspen Dental in Des Moines.

Most dental insurance plans cover part—or sometimes all—of the cost of root canal treatment. Before treatment begins, we’ll review your specific benefits so you’re not left guessing about coverage. Aspen Dental does not accept Medicaid, but we do offer flexible financing options through 3rd-party lenders if you’re paying out of pocket. You can also explore the Aspen Dental Savings Plan² for additional savings if you don’t have insurance. ²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.