Root Canal Treatment — Save Your Natural Tooth
Root canal treatment performed with rotary endodontics, operating microscope and laser-assisted disinfection, with attention to patient comfort throughout. Many cases are completed in a single sitting of 45–90 minutes. Consultation is offered at no charge.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. The infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) is removed, the inner chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped, then filled and sealed, allowing the natural tooth to be retained.
Who Needs a Root Canal?
- Deep decay reaching the tooth pulp (nerve)
- Cracked or chipped tooth exposing the pulp
- Trauma to the tooth from injury or accident
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth causing pulp inflammation
- Severe toothache, especially triggered by hot or cold
- Abscess or infection at the root tip
What Happens During RCT?
- The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the tooth
- The root canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected
- The canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha)
- The tooth is sealed and usually protected with a custom crown
Tooth Anatomy
The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes irreversibly infected, it is removed so the surrounding bone and tissues can recover.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
Check any boxes that apply to you. If one or more apply, a clinical examination is advised to confirm whether root canal treatment is required.
This checklist is a general guide only and is not a diagnosis. A dentist must examine the tooth and review an X-ray to confirm the condition and the treatment required.
Request a ConsultationWhy Does Pulp Get Infected?
Understanding the cause of pulp infection explains why early assessment matters — delaying treatment can lead to abscess formation, bone loss and the need for extraction.
Deep Tooth Decay
Untreated cavities penetrate through enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp and causing infection. This is the most frequently seen cause.
Cracked Tooth
A crack in the tooth allows bacteria to reach the pulp directly, causing infection even without visible decay.
Trauma / Injury
A blow to the tooth — from sports, an accident or a fall — can damage the pulp even without cracking the tooth, and the pulp tissue may die over time.
Repeated Procedures
Multiple fillings or treatments on the same tooth cause cumulative irritation to the pulp, which may lead to irreversible inflammation.
Gum Disease
Advanced periodontal disease can allow bacteria to enter through the root surface, infecting the pulp from below.
Large Fillings with Leakage
Old, worn or poorly fitting fillings can develop microscopic gaps that allow bacteria to reach the pulp.
Your Root Canal Journey
From diagnosis to a restored tooth — here is what happens during root canal treatment at our clinic. Many cases are completed in a single sitting.
Diagnosis & Digital X-Ray
We examine the tooth and take a digital X-ray to assess the extent of infection, then confirm whether root canal treatment is indicated. The findings and treatment plan are explained before starting.
Comfort: examination and X-ray onlyLocal Anaesthesia
The area around the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. We use computer-controlled delivery for controlled administration, and the anaesthetic is checked before the procedure begins.
Comfort: local anaesthetic used to numb the areaAccess & Pulp Removal
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth. Using an operating microscope, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.
Comfort: the tooth and area remain anaesthetisedCanal Cleaning & Shaping
Using rotary nickel-titanium instruments under microscope magnification, the root canals are cleaned and shaped to a measured working length. Irrigation and laser-assisted disinfection are used to reduce the bacterial load within the canals.
Comfort: modern rotary instruments are used for efficient cleaningFilling & Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber material, and sealed to reduce the risk of re-entry of bacteria. A temporary restoration may be placed until the final crown is fitted.
Comfort: brief sealing stage under the same anaestheticCrown Placement
A crown is fitted over the treated tooth to protect it from fracture and restore normal function. We also offer same-day CAD/CAM crowns where suitable for the case.
Comfort: the crown is fitted over the treated toothPost-Treatment Recovery
Recovery after root canal treatment is generally straightforward. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Mild Sensitivity
Mild sensitivity or slight tenderness can occur as the anaesthetic wears off and is generally short-lived. Take the pain relief advised by your dentist. Avoid hard or chewy foods on the treated side for the first day.
Sensitivity Settles
Sensitivity usually reduces over this period. Continue normal oral hygiene — brush twice daily and floss once daily — taking care around the treated tooth until the crown is placed.
Function Restored
Once the final crown is fitted and the bite is checked, the tooth can be used for normal eating and function. Regular dental reviews help monitor the treated tooth and the surrounding tissues.
Care After Root Canal
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until the final crown is placed
- Maintain oral hygiene — brush twice daily and floss once daily
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Attend your follow-up appointment for the crown placement
- Report any unusual symptoms — increasing pain, swelling or fever
⚠ Warning Signs — Contact Us If:
- Pain that increases after 2–3 days and is not relieved by medication
- Visible swelling in the gums, face or jaw area
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Reaction to medication such as rash, itching or breathing difficulty
- Temporary restoration comes loose or falls out
- Tooth feels abnormally loose or newly cracked
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Retains the Natural Tooth
The tooth structure and root are preserved, so no artificial replacement is required for that tooth.
Treatment Planned Around Comfort
Local anaesthetic, rotary instruments and microscope-assisted work are used to minimise discomfort during the procedure. Discomfort levels vary between individuals.
Often Completed in One Sitting
Many cases are completed in a single appointment, which means fewer visits and less time away from routine commitments.
Addresses the Infection
Cleaning, shaping and disinfecting the canals removes the infected tissue and reduces the risk of the infection spreading to the jaw bone or adjacent teeth.
Restores Chewing Function
Once crowned, the treated tooth can be used for normal chewing. Your dentist will advise when to resume eating on that side.
Comparatively Lower Cost
Root canal treatment with a crown is generally more economical than extraction followed by an implant or bridge. Exact costs depend on the case — please ask us for a written estimate.
EPFO & Insurance Coverage
We accept EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) along with the major government health schemes for root canal treatment, and the front desk assists with claim documentation at the time of your visit.
EPFO Accepted
We are an EPFO-empanelled dental clinic. Employees covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation can avail root canal treatment with claim processing carried out at our front desk.
- Claim assistance at the time of your visit
- Documentation support from our front-desk team
- Coverage scope includes RCT, cleaning and crown as per scheme rules
- Eligibility check before treatment begins
Other Government Schemes
Along with EPFO, we also work with CGHS, ECHS and ESI for root canal treatment. Our team explains what your scheme covers for the treatment before it begins.
- CGHS — Central Government Health Scheme
- ECHS — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
- ESI — Employees’ State Insurance
- EPFO — Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the tooth and the surrounding area are numbed for the duration of the procedure. We use computer-controlled anaesthetic delivery, rotary instruments and microscope magnification to minimise discomfort. Individual experiences vary; some patients report mild soreness after the anaesthetic wears off, which usually settles with the medication advised by your dentist.
How many sittings are needed?
For many cases, root canal treatment is completed in a single sitting of approximately 45–90 minutes using rotary endodontics and laser disinfection. Complex cases — such as curved canals, large abscesses or teeth with multiple canals — may require a second visit. Your dentist will tell you how many visits your case needs after examination.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
Longevity depends on the case, the quality of the endodontic treatment, the crown that is placed and your oral hygiene. A well-treated tooth that is crowned and maintained with regular dental reviews can serve for many years. No fixed lifetime duration can be promised, and untreated or badly decayed teeth may have a shorter prognosis.
Can I eat after root canal treatment?
Yes, with precautions. Wait 2–3 hours after treatment until the anaesthetic wears off so that you do not bite your cheek or tongue. For the first 24 hours, eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side of the treated tooth. Once the final crown is placed — usually within 1–2 weeks — normal eating on that tooth can be resumed.
What happens if I do not get a root canal?
An infected pulp does not resolve on its own. Without treatment the infection can spread and worsen, leading to an abscess, increasing pain, bone loss around the root and the eventual need for extraction. In some cases infection may spread further. Early assessment allows the tooth to be treated while it can still be retained.
What is laser-assisted root canal treatment?
Laser-assisted endodontics uses a dental laser as an additional step during canal disinfection, alongside rotary instrumentation and irrigation. The aim is to reduce the bacterial load in the canal walls and accessory canals. We use laser disinfection as part of our routine root canal protocol, with no separate charge for it.
Can a root canal-treated tooth become infected again?
Re-infection can occur for several reasons: a missed or curved canal, delayed crown placement, a new decay on the tooth, or a cracked tooth. If a previously treated tooth becomes infected again, options may include retreatment or an apicoectomy (surgical removal of the root end). Magnification and digital imaging help reduce these risks.
What is the difference between root canal treatment and extraction?
Root canal treatment retains the natural tooth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the canals; extraction removes the tooth and, if replacement is needed, involves an implant, bridge or denture. Root canal treatment also preserves the jawbone at that site and does not involve tooth removal. The choice depends on the condition of the tooth, the bone support and your overall dental health.
Does EPFO / CGHS cover root canal treatment?
EPFO, CGHS, ECHS and ESI schemes do cover a portion of dental treatment including root canal treatment for eligible beneficiaries, subject to scheme rules and annual limits. We are empanelled to provide treatment under these schemes. Please bring your card to the appointment so our team can verify your entitlement and explain the exact coverage for your case before treatment starts.
How should I care for the tooth after root canal treatment?
After treatment: (1) avoid chewing on the treated side until the crown is placed; (2) brush and floss as usual, gently around the treated tooth; (3) take prescribed medication exactly as directed; (4) attend the follow-up for crown placement within 1–2 weeks; and (5) once crowned, maintain normal brushing, flossing and six-monthly dental reviews.
RCT vs. Extraction vs. Pulp Capping
Understanding your options when the tooth pulp is affected. Each approach has its own indications, and your dentist will advise which option suits your situation after examination.
Book Your Appointment
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Don’t Wait — Get Your Tooth Assessed
Early assessment allows infection to be treated while the tooth can still be retained. Request your root canal consultation today.