Your root canal visit: what to expect, from chair to recovery
If you have been told you need a root canal, it helps to know what will happen. Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, so the natural tooth can be kept. At Gentle Touch Dental Clinic, root canals are done by Dr. S. Barath Kumar, an MDS dentist, using a dental operating microscope. For the treatment itself, retreatment and microscopic root canal care, see our main root canal treatment (endodontics) page.
Signs a tooth may need a root canal
- Toothache that lingers after hot or cold food
- Pain when biting, or pain that wakes you at night
- Swelling or a small boil on the gum near a tooth
- A deep cavity, a large old filling or a cracked tooth
- A tooth that has turned darker after an injury
Only an examination and X-ray can confirm whether a root canal is needed. If you have a toothache now, see our guide on what to do for a toothache.
Before your appointment
- Bring any previous dental X-rays or reports, especially if the tooth was treated before.
- Tell the dentist about your medicines and health conditions, such as diabetes, blood pressure, heart problems, blood thinners or pregnancy.
- Eat a normal meal beforehand, as you may stay numb for a few hours afterwards.
- Write down any questions you want to ask.
Root canal treatment, step by step
Every tooth is different. This is a general outline of what treatment usually involves.
Consultation and X-ray
The dentist examines the tooth, asks about your symptoms and takes an X-ray to see the roots, the canals and any infection around them. Your options and the fee are explained before treatment begins.
Numbing
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so the treatment is comfortable. You can raise your hand at any time if you need a break.
Keeping the tooth clean and dry
The tooth is isolated from saliva so the inside can be cleaned properly.
Cleaning and shaping the canals
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth. The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped. The dental operating microscope gives magnification and bright light to find fine, curved or hidden canals.
Medicine between visits, if needed
If the tooth needs more than one visit, medicine is placed inside the canals and the tooth is closed with a temporary filling until the next appointment.
Filling and sealing the canals
Once the canals are clean, they are filled and sealed to help stop bacteria getting back in. An X-ray checks the result.
Core build-up and crown
The tooth is rebuilt from inside (core build-up) and, where advised, covered with a crown to protect it for everyday chewing.
How many visits?
Root canal treatment usually takes 1 to 3 visits. Complex root canals and re-treatment of an earlier root canal need multiple sittings. The number of visits depends on:
- Whether it is a front tooth or a molar
- The number and shape of the canals
- How much infection there is around the tooth
- Calcified or curved canals
- Whether a previous root canal has to be redone
Why the microscope helps
Root canals can be very narrow, curved or hidden. The dental operating microscope gives magnification and bright light inside the tooth, which helps the dentist to:
- Find extra or hidden canals
- Clean and shape the canals carefully
- Spot cracks in the tooth
- Remove old filling material during re-treatment
- Keep as much natural tooth as possible
The crown after a root canal
A tooth that needed a root canal has often lost a lot of its structure to decay or old fillings, and it can become more brittle. A crown covers and protects the tooth so it is less likely to crack when you chew. This matters most for back teeth.
Plan to get the core build-up and crown done soon after the root canal, as advised. A delayed crown, or a temporary filling left for too long, can let bacteria leak back in or allow the tooth to break. Crowns are available in metal-ceramic and zirconia; the dentist will explain which suits your tooth. Read more in our crowns and implants guide.
Aftercare tips
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or having hot drinks.
- Some tenderness for a few days is common. Follow the pain relief advice you are given.
- Avoid chewing hard food on the treated tooth until it is fully restored.
- If a temporary filling feels high or comes out, contact the clinic.
- Get the core build-up and crown done on time, as advised.
- Brush twice a day, clean between teeth and keep your review visits.
When to contact us urgently
- Swelling of the face, jaw or gum that is getting worse
- Fever along with tooth pain
- Severe pain that does not settle with the advice given
- Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing or breathing (seek emergency care immediately)
Root canal failed elsewhere? A tooth that already had a root canal can sometimes become troublesome again. In many cases it can be retreated: the old filling is removed, the canals are cleaned again and resealed. Dr. S. Barath Kumar treats complex and previously failed root canal cases under the dental microscope. Read our guide failed root canal? What retreatment involves or the root canal treatment guide.
Common questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The tooth is numbed first, so most people find the treatment itself comfortable. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal and usually settles with the advice given.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Usually 1 to 3 visits. Complex cases and re-treatment of an earlier root canal need multiple sittings. The dentist will tell you what to expect for your tooth after the examination and X-ray.
Can I go to work after a root canal?
Most people return to their normal routine the same day. Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours, so wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking hot drinks.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, especially for back teeth. A tooth that needed a root canal has usually lost a lot of structure, and a crown helps protect it from breaking when you chew. The dentist will tell you whether your tooth needs one.
Will antibiotics work instead of a root canal?
No. Antibiotics may be advised for spreading infection, but they cannot clean out the infected pulp inside the tooth. The tooth still needs treatment to remove the cause.
How long will a root-canal-treated tooth last?
With a good seal, a timely crown where needed, good home care and regular check-ups, many root-canal-treated teeth last for many years. How long a tooth lasts varies from person to person, and the dentist will discuss the outlook for your tooth.
How much does a root canal cost?
Root canal treatment is ₹7,000 for a front tooth and ₹8,000 – ₹9,000 for a molar. A complex root canal or re-treatment is ₹15,000. X-rays taken during the root canal are included; the core build-up and crown are charged separately. The exact fee is confirmed after consultation. See root canal fees.
Have a question about root canal treatment?
Message Dr. S. Barath Kumar on WhatsApp or call the clinic. Ask us whether this treatment is right for you.
Gentle Touch Dental Clinic · U 74, New No 58, 5th Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040 (near Tower Park). Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Sunday: closed; emergency appointments on call at +91 98840 15026. Get directions.
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
More dental care guides
Endodontics
Root canal treatment, microscopic RCT and retreatment of failed root canals.
Read the guide →Toothache: what to do
Home care steps, warning signs and when to see a dentist.
Read the guide →Oral surgery
An overview of minor oral surgery, with clear aftercare tips.
Read the guide →Crowns, bridges & dentures
Crowns, bridges and dentures for broken or missing teeth.
Read the guide →Periodontics (gums)
Bleeding gums, gum disease, scaling and deep cleaning.
Read the guide →Preventive dentistry
Check-ups, professional cleaning and everyday home care.
Read the guide →Children's dentistry
Children's teeth, first visits, fluoride and sealants.
Read the guide →Treatment costs
Approximate prices for consultation, cleaning, root canal, crowns, implants and braces.
See the costs →