Most patients who need a root canal have been putting it off. The pain has been building for weeks and the appointment keeps getting rescheduled, almost always because of fear that the treatment itself will be worse than the toothache.
That fear is outdated. Root canal treatment in 2026 is performed under local anaesthesia with rotary instruments that are faster and smoother than anything used a decade ago. The procedure ends pain, it does not cause it. At Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic, our endodontics specialists perform root canal treatment across all five Kolkata branches.
- What Is Root Canal Treatment?
- Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
- Is Root Canal Treatment Painful in 2026?
- The RCT Procedure at TCMDC
- How Many Sessions Does RCT Require?
- Root Canal Treatment Cost in Kolkata
- RCT vs Tooth Extraction
- Recovery After Root Canal Treatment
- Why Choose TCMDC?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Book a Consultation
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of each tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.
When the pulp becomes infected through deep decay, a crack, or injury, bacteria multiply inside the tooth causing severe pain, swelling, and in untreated cases, abscess and bone damage. RCT, part of our endodontics services, removes the infected tissue, cleans and seals the tooth, and in most cases saves it from extraction.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Do not ignore these symptoms. Early treatment is simpler, less expensive, and more successful.
| Symptom | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Severe toothache when biting or chewing | Pulp inflammation or infection |
| Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold | Nerve damage |
| Darkening or discolouration of the tooth | Pulp death |
| Swelling or tenderness in gums near the tooth | Spreading infection |
| Persistent pimple-like bump on the gum | Dental abscess |
| Pain radiating to the jaw, ear, or neck | Advanced infection |
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful in 2026?
This is the most common concern, and the most misunderstood.
Root canal treatment does not cause pain. It ends it.
Modern RCT is performed under local anaesthesia. You will feel pressure during the procedure but not pain. Rotary endodontic instruments, now standard at TCMDC, are significantly faster and smoother than the manual files used in older techniques, shortening procedure time and reducing discomfort. The tooth may feel tender for two to three days as the surrounding tissue heals, managed easily with standard pain relief.
The RCT Procedure at TCMDC
Diagnosis and X-Ray
A digital X-ray assesses the extent of infection, the shape of the root canals, and the surrounding bone. This shapes the entire treatment plan.
Local Anaesthesia
The area around the affected tooth is numbed. Treatment begins only when the area is fully numb.
Isolation
A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep the area dry and prevent contamination.
Access Opening
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Removing the Infected Pulp
Using fine rotary instruments, the infected pulp is carefully removed by our endodontics specialists.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and irrigated with antibacterial solution to remove all traces of bacteria and debris.
Filling the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed to prevent re-infection.
Crown Placement
A dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength. Crown design is handled by our prosthodontics team.
How Many Sessions Does RCT Require?
| Case Complexity | Number of Sessions |
|---|---|
| Straightforward single-rooted tooth | 1 to 2 sessions |
| Multi-rooted tooth (molar) | 2 to 3 sessions |
| Retreatment of previously failed RCT | 2 to 4 sessions |
| Tooth with complex curved canals | 2 to 3 sessions |
Each session typically takes 45 to 90 minutes.
Root Canal Treatment Cost in Kolkata
RCT cost varies depending on which tooth is being treated, the number of root canals involved, and whether a crown is needed.
| Tooth Type | Approximate RCT Cost (Kolkata) |
|---|---|
| Front tooth (single root) | INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 |
| Premolar (1 to 2 roots) | INR 4,000 to INR 8,000 |
| Molar (3 to 4 roots) | INR 5,000 to INR 12,000 |
| Crown after RCT (zirconia or ceramic) | INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 |
Prices are indicative. Exact cost is confirmed after examination and X-ray at TCMDC.
RCT vs Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
Many patients ask whether it is simpler to just remove the tooth. Here is why saving the natural tooth is almost always the better choice.
| Factor | Root Canal Treatment | Tooth Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Preserves natural tooth | Yes | No |
| Prevents bone loss | Yes | No |
| Adjacent teeth affected | No | Yes, they shift |
| Replacement needed | No | Usually yes |
| Long-term cost | Lower | Higher |
| Recovery time | Short | Longer |
Extracting a tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge typically costs significantly more than saving the tooth with RCT. Whenever possible, saving the natural tooth with RCT is the right clinical decision.
Recovery After Root Canal Treatment
24 to 48 hrs
- Mild tenderness around the treated tooth is normal
- Take prescribed pain relief as directed
- Avoid chewing on that side, stick to soft foods
Week
- Sensitivity reduces each day
- Continue oral hygiene, brushing gently around the area
Crown
- Full chewing function is restored
- The tooth behaves like a natural tooth
With modern techniques and proper crown placement, root canal treatment has a success rate of over 95%. A well-treated tooth with a quality crown fitted by our prosthodontics specialists can last a lifetime with normal oral hygiene.
Why Choose TCMDC for Root Canal Treatment in Kolkata?
Root canal treatment available at all 5 branches:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the RCT procedure take?
Can I go to work after root canal treatment?
What if I delay treatment?
Can a tooth that had RCT get infected again?
My dentist says I need RCT but I feel no pain. Is it still necessary?
Is RCT covered by dental insurance?
Related reading
- Endodontics at TCMDC, our root canal specialists
- Prosthodontics, crowns fitted after treatment
- Teeth Cleaning in Kolkata, preventing the decay that leads to RCT
- Meet Our Dentists, 22 plus MDS specialists
Book a Root Canal Consultation in Kolkata
If you have tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, do not wait. Early intervention saves the tooth, reduces treatment complexity, and costs less.
Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic provides expert root canal treatment in Kolkata across five branches: Chinar Park, New Town, Dunlop, Ballygunge and Charnock.