What it is
Inside every tooth is a soft space called the pulp — nerves, blood vessels, all of it. When a cavity goes deep enough, or a tooth cracks, bacteria get in there. It gets infected. That’s when root canal treatment becomes necessary.
The procedure cleans out the infected pulp, seals the space, and saves the tooth. The tooth stays in your mouth. It just no longer has a live nerve.
What to expect
First we numb the area. Wait for the anaesthetic to work — this is not the step we rush. Once you’re numb, you’ll feel pressure but not pain.
We remove the pulp, clean the canals carefully, and shape them. Then we fill and seal everything. A temporary crown usually goes on the same day. You come back for the permanent one.
Two sittings is typical for most teeth. A back molar with extra canals can take a little longer.
Does it hurt?
The honest answer: the numbness works. Most patients are surprised by how little they feel. The day after the sitting you may feel some tenderness — that’s the tissue around the tooth settling down, not the procedure itself. Ibuprofen handles it.
If you’re scared, tell us before we start. We’ll go slower. We can stop whenever you need a break.
How long it takes
Two sittings, usually about a week apart. Each sitting is 45–60 minutes. After the permanent crown is placed, the tooth is done.
Cost
Starting from ₹3,000 — see full pricing.
Front teeth are simpler (one canal). Back molars have two or three canals and take more time. We’ll tell you the total cost before we start — no surprises.
A crown on top of the root-canal tooth costs extra (see the Crown page). It’s usually recommended to protect the tooth long-term.
When you need this
- Toothache that doesn’t stop, especially at night
- Sensitivity to hot that lingers after you remove the hot thing
- A tooth that has darkened
- Swelling near a tooth or in your gum
- An old filling or deep cavity that’s been there too long
If you’re not sure, come in. We’ll take an X-ray and tell you straight.
After the visit
Avoid chewing on that side until the permanent crown is placed. A root-canal tooth without a crown is more fragile. Take the painkillers if you need them — most people only need them for a day or two.
Call us if: the pain gets worse after three days, the swelling comes back, or the temporary crown comes off.