Most patients who need a root canal have been putting it off. The pain has been there for weeks – sharp, throbbing, sometimes spreading to the jaw or ear. The reason they wait is almost always the same: fear of what the treatment involves.
Here is what actually happens: root canal treatment (RCT) relieves the pain. The procedure itself, done under local anaesthesia, is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling.
At Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic, we perform root canal treatments across all five branches in Kolkata. This guide explains exactly what RCT involves, how much it costs, and what recovery looks like, so you can make an informed decision and book with confidence.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is Root Canal Treatment?
- Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
- Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
- 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 is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
When the pulp becomes infected through deep decay, a crack, or injury, bacteria multiply inside the tooth and cause severe pain, swelling, and eventually abscess. Left untreated, the infection spreads to surrounding teeth and bone.
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?
This is the most common concern — and the most misunderstood.
Modern RCT is performed under local anaesthesia. You will feel pressure during the procedure but not pain. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience actually is compared to what they expected.
The tooth may feel tender for two to three days after treatment as the surrounding tissue heals. This is managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure at TCMDC
1
Diagnosis and X-Ray
Your dentist takes a digital X-ray to assess the extent of infection, the shape of the root canals, and the surrounding bone. This shapes the entire treatment plan.
2
Local Anaesthesia
The area around the affected tooth is numbed with local anaesthesia. Treatment begins only when the area is fully numb.
3
Isolation
A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep the area dry and prevent contamination during the procedure.
4
Access Opening
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
5
Removing the Infected Pulp
Using fine instruments, the infected pulp is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. This is performed by our endodontics specialists.
6
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and irrigated with antibacterial solution to remove all traces of bacteria and debris.
7
Filling the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed.
8
Crown Placement
In most cases, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and protect it from fracture. At TCMDC, crown design is handled by our prosthodontics team for a natural fit and appearance.
How Many Sessions Does RCT Require?
| Case Complexity | Number of Sessions |
|---|---|
| Straightforward single-rooted tooth | 1–2 sessions |
| Multi-rooted tooth (molar) | 2–3 sessions |
| Retreatment of previously failed RCT | 2–4 sessions |
| Tooth with complex curved canals | 2–3 sessions |
Each session typically takes 45–90 minutes.
Root Canal Treatment Cost in Kolkata
RCT cost in Kolkata 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) | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Premolar (1–2 roots) | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Molar (3–4 roots) | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Crown after RCT (zirconia/ceramic) | ₹5,000 – ₹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 (shifting) |
| Replacement needed | ✅ No | ❌ Usually yes |
| Long-term cost | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |
| Recovery time | ✅ Short | ❌ Longer with replacement |
Extracting a tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge typically costs significantly more than saving the tooth with RCT. If you are weighing extraction as an option, read our detailed guide on single tooth implant vs bridge in Kolkata to understand what tooth replacement actually involves. Whenever possible, saving the natural tooth with RCT is the right clinical decision.
Recovery After Root Canal Treatment
First 24–48 hours
- Mild tenderness around the treated tooth is normal
- Take prescribed pain relief as directed
- Avoid chewing on that side until the crown is placed
- Stick to soft foods
First week
- Sensitivity should reduce each day
- Continue normal oral hygiene brush gently around the area
After crown placement
- Full chewing function is restored
- The tooth behaves like a natural tooth
⚠️ When to call us
Contact TCMDC if you experience increasing pain after day three, visible swelling, or if the temporary filling falls out.
Why Choose TCMDC for Root Canal Treatment in Kolkata?
Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic has a dedicated endodontics department staffed by experienced specialists.
- Digital X-ray and CBCT scanning for accurate diagnosis
- Experienced endodontists across all five Kolkata branches
- Rotary endodontics faster, smoother canal cleaning than manual files
- Same-day appointments for dental emergencies involving tooth pain
- Crown placement by our in-house prosthodontics team
- Multiple award-winning clinic with 19+ years of experience in Kolkata
RCT available at all 5 branches:
Frequently Askd Questions
How long does the RCT procedure take?
Each session takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the tooth and complexity.
Can I go to work after root canal treatment?
Most patients can return to normal activity the same day or the following day. Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
What if I delay treatment?
The infection will spread. Delayed treatment increases the risk of abscess, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss — making tooth replacement necessary.
Can a tooth that had RCT get infected again?
It is uncommon but possible, usually due to a new cavity or a cracked crown. Re-treatment by our endodontics team is available and often successful.
My dentist says I need RCT but I feel no pain. Is it still necessary?
Yes. Not all infected pulp causes immediate pain, particularly if the nerve has already died. An X-ray showing bone changes at the root tip indicates treatment is needed even without acute pain.
Is RCT covered by dental insurance?
Coverage depends on your policy. Our team can assist with documentation for insurance claims.
📖 Also Read
- Single Tooth Implant vs Bridge in Kolkata — if extraction is being considered
- Dental Implants Cost in Kolkata — tooth replacement cost comparison
- What to Expect After a Dental Implant — post-extraction replacement recovery
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.
Book a Consultation → 📞 +91 98315 26251Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic provides expert root canal treatment in Kolkata across five branches: Chinar Park, New Town, Dunlop, Ballygunge, and Charnock.