The phrase "root canal" strikes fear into many dental patients — and almost always unfairly. If you've been told you need one and you're wondering whether it will hurt, the short answer is: no, it won't. With modern techniques, rotary instrumentation, and effective local anaesthesia, root canal treatment (RCT) is no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. In fact, most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Here's everything you need to know, honestly and in plain language.
The Pain Myth — Where It Comes From
The notorious reputation of root canals comes from an era before modern dentistry. Decades ago, numbing agents were far less effective, and the mechanical instruments were crude by today's standards. The procedure genuinely was uncomfortable — and those stories were passed down through generations.
Today, clinics like ours on Bannerghatta Road use articaine and lignocaine cartridges that achieve deep, reliable numbing within minutes. We also use rotary nickel-titanium files that clean and shape the canals in a fraction of the time older stainless-steel instruments required. The combination of better anaesthesia and faster instrumentation has fundamentally changed the experience.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Endodontics found that 97% of patients reported no or mild pain during their root canal procedure under modern protocols. The pain before the RCT — from the infected tooth — is almost always worse than anything experienced during treatment.
Why Does a Tooth Need a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth, beneath the enamel and dentine, is a soft tissue called the pulp. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When bacteria reach the pulp — through deep decay, a cracked tooth, or a previously damaged filling — an infection develops. The pulp becomes inflamed, then necrotic (dies). The infection can spread to the surrounding bone, forming an abscess.
Common warning signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent, throbbing toothache — especially at night
- Severe sensitivity to heat that lingers for more than a few seconds
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near the affected tooth
- A pimple-like bump (sinus tract) on the gum
- Tooth darkening or discolouration
If you have any of these symptoms, don't wait. Dental infections do not resolve on their own — they worsen, spread, and become significantly harder and more expensive to treat over time.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During RCT at Credence High?
Here is exactly what takes place during a root canal at our Arekere clinic, step by step:
- X-ray assessment: An OPG or periapical X-ray is taken to map the number of canals, assess infection extent, and check the surrounding bone. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Local anaesthesia: The dentist administers local anaesthetic to the gum around the tooth. Within 3–5 minutes, the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb. You may feel the initial needle prick — nothing more.
- Rubber dam placement: A thin sheet of rubber is placed over the tooth to isolate it from saliva and bacteria in the rest of the mouth. This keeps the working area sterile and is standard practice.
- Access opening: A small opening is made through the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. This is done with a drill — but because the tooth is numb, you feel only vibration, not pain.
- Pulp removal: The infected pulp is removed using hand files and rotary nickel-titanium instruments. Irrigation with antimicrobial solution cleans and disinfects the canals simultaneously.
- Canal shaping and measurement: The canals are shaped to precise dimensions using an apex locator to determine the exact length. This ensures the fill material reaches the correct endpoint.
- Canal filling: The cleaned, shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible rubber material called gutta-percha and sealed with cement. This is the most critical step — a good seal prevents re-infection.
- Temporary or permanent restoration: A temporary filling is placed at the end of the visit. A dental crown is typically recommended 2–4 weeks later to protect the now-brittle tooth from fracture.
Pain During vs. After the Procedure
During the procedure
With proper anaesthesia: none. You will feel pressure from the instruments and some vibration from the drill — but no sharp pain. If at any point you feel pain, raise your hand and let us know immediately. Additional anaesthetic can be administered. You are never expected to simply endure discomfort.
After the procedure
Once the anaesthesia wears off (usually 2–3 hours), some mild soreness and sensitivity around the treated tooth is completely normal. This is your body's natural inflammatory response to the procedure, not a sign that something went wrong. This typically resolves within 48–72 hours. Standard over-the-counter ibuprofen or paracetamol is usually sufficient. Most patients return to work or normal activity the same day.
If you experience severe, worsening pain or swelling after 48 hours, call our clinic immediately — this may indicate a complication that needs attention.
Signs You Need a Root Canal Now — Don't Wait
Delaying treatment for a tooth that needs a root canal is never a good idea. Here's what can happen:
- The infection spreads to surrounding teeth and bone
- An abscess forms, potentially requiring emergency drainage
- The infection can enter the bloodstream in rare severe cases
- The tooth may become unsalvageable, requiring extraction
- Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant costs ₹35,000+
A root canal addressed early is a straightforward procedure. A root canal delayed until the infection is severe is more complex, may require multiple visits, and is far more likely to fail. Book a root canal consultation at Credence High as soon as you notice symptoms.
Root Canal Cost at Credence High Dental Care
| Tooth Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Anterior teeth (front — 1 canal) | From ₹3,500 |
| Premolar (1–2 canals) | From ₹4,500 |
| Molar (3–4 canals) | From ₹6,500 |
| Post & core build-up | From ₹1,500 |
| PFM crown (recommended after RCT) | From ₹5,000 |
These prices include all canal sittings needed for that tooth. A full treatment plan with crown is quoted transparently during your initial consultation — no hidden charges.
Root Canal vs. Extraction — Which Is Better?
Extracting a tooth may seem like a simpler and cheaper solution, but the downstream costs and consequences are significant. A gap in your mouth causes the neighbouring teeth to shift over months and years, alters your bite, and triggers gradual bone loss in the jaw. Replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant typically costs ₹35,000 or more — far exceeding the cost of saving the tooth with a root canal and crown.
Root canals have a published success rate of over 90% at 8 years. Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term choice — functionally, aesthetically, and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. The tooth and surrounding area will be completely numb before any instruments are used. You may feel mild pressure but not pain. If you feel any discomfort at any point, tell your dentist immediately and more anaesthetic will be administered.
At Credence High, most root canals are completed in 1–2 sittings. Simple front teeth with a single canal are often completed in one visit lasting about 60–90 minutes. Molars with 3–4 canals may require two visits of 45–60 minutes each. We aim to minimise the number of visits while ensuring thorough treatment.
Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed for 1–2 days. Avoid eating on the treated side until the permanent crown is placed. Maintain regular oral hygiene — brush and floss normally but gently. Attend all follow-up appointments and get the crown placed promptly to protect the tooth.
Yes, but wait until the local anaesthesia fully wears off — typically 2–3 hours — so you don't accidentally bite your numb lip or tongue. Eat soft foods on the opposite side for 24–48 hours. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is seated.
In almost all cases, no. Saving your natural tooth preserves your bite, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and avoids the bone loss that follows an extraction. The cost of replacing an extracted tooth with an implant (₹35,000+) typically far exceeds the cost of root canal treatment plus a crown. We recommend extraction only when a tooth is completely unsalvageable.