If your dentist has recommended a root canal, the good news is: the procedure saves your natural tooth and, with modern rotary instruments and anaesthesia, is usually no more uncomfortable than a filling.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal treats infection or inflammation of the dental pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth. Common signs:
- Deep, throbbing toothache — especially at night
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't fade
- Pain on biting or tapping the tooth
- A pimple on the gum (abscess) or darkening of the tooth
- Deep decay reaching the nerve, or a cracked tooth
The Procedure
- Diagnosis — X-rays reveal the extent of infection and the root anatomy
- Anaesthesia — the tooth and surrounding area are completely numbed
- Cleaning — the infected pulp is removed and the canals are shaped and disinfected
- Filling — canals are sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha)
- Crown — a root-canal-treated tooth usually needs a crown to protect it from fracture
Single-visit RCT is possible in many cases; complex or re-infected teeth may need 2–3 visits.
After the Treatment
- Mild soreness for 2–3 days is normal — managed with regular painkillers
- Don't chew on the treated side until the final crown is placed
- Delaying the crown is the most common reason treated teeth later fracture
Root Canal vs Extraction
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better option — nothing functions as well as your own tooth. Extraction leads to bone loss and the cost of an implant or bridge later.
Tooth pain keeping you up at night? Book a same-week appointment with a verified endodontist on Odento.
Typical Cost in India
Single-visit RCT is typically ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on the tooth (molars cost more); add ₹2,000–₹12,000 for the crown that usually follows.
Prices vary widely by city, clinic, material and case complexity — always confirm a written estimate before starting.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
- Is single-visit RCT possible for my tooth?
- Will I definitely need a crown afterwards, and what does that add to the cost?
- What are the chances of needing retreatment later?
- Extraction + implant vs RCT + crown — help me compare honestly.
Trusted external resources
Odento procedure guides are educational, not a substitute for an examination — always consult a qualified dentist for your specific case.
Responses (0)