I have to have a root canal on thursday. how long will the procedure take and how will the procedure work?

Varies, ask: This varies from tooth to tooth, from dentist to dentist and from case to case. You should ask your own dentist what to expect.

Varies: Teeth vary in numbers of canals, length, and complexity. Skills and speed vary between doctors. Although nobody likes to spend more time in the dental chair than necessary discus with your dentist or specialist what you should expect in your specific case and if their is any more efficient way to address the problem. Sometimes a specialist may provide quicker care at a slightly higher price.

Depends: It all depends where the tooth is in the mouth, how many roots it has, and if the canals are open and accessible. The rentist doing the treatment should explain the procedure to you and answer questions before starting treatment