Why a tooth needs it
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds the nerve and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or a hard knock can let bacteria in. The pulp becomes inflamed, then infected, and the infection can spread from the tip of the root into the bone to form an abscess.
The signs include:
- Toothache that throbs, wakes you at night or starts on its own
- Pain from hot or cold that lingers for minutes
- Pain when you bite, or a tooth that feels ‘high’
- A swelling or small pimple on the gum near the tooth
- A tooth that has turned darker after an injury
Some infected teeth cause no pain at all and only show up on an X-ray.
After treatment
- Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the permanent filling or crown is in place.
- Some tenderness for a few days is normal. Take painkillers as directed on the pack if you need them.
- Call us if you notice swelling, if the pain gets worse after two or three days, or if the temporary filling falls out.
What happens, visit by visit
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Step 1: Diagnosis
An X-ray and a few simple tests show whether the nerve can recover or has to be removed. If the tooth cannot be saved, Dr Hamza will explain the available alternatives.
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Step 2: First visit, cleaning out
Under local anaesthetic, a small opening is made in the top of the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the canals cleaned and disinfected. A medicated dressing and a temporary filling go in.
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Step 3: Second visit, sealing
Once the tooth has settled, the canals are shaped, cleaned again and filled with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) that seals them.
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Step 4: Rebuilding the tooth
The tooth gets a permanent filling. Back teeth often need a crown after root canal treatment because they may have lost a significant amount of tooth structure and are more likely to fracture under chewing forces.
Cost
Back teeth have more canals than front teeth, so they take longer and cost more. The estimate will include the expected cost of the root canal and crown where a crown is recommended.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Root canal treatment, front tooth | At consultation from Rs XX,XXX |
| Root canal treatment, back tooth | At consultation from Rs XX,XXX |
| Crown, per tooth Depends on the material. | At consultation from Rs XX,XXX |
You’ll get a written estimate for your own treatment before anything starts. All fees and how to pay
Questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The tooth may already be painful because of the infection or inflammation. During treatment, local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth. Expect the tooth to be tender when you bite for a few days afterwards; ordinary painkillers normally manage it.
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to take the tooth out?
Extraction is usually cheaper initially, but replacing the missing tooth later can cost more. A gap can also allow nearby teeth to move over time. Sometimes extraction is the better choice.
Can’t I just take antibiotics?
Antibiotics do not remove the infected tissue inside the tooth. When root canal treatment is needed, antibiotics alone usually do not solve the problem. They are useful when infection is spreading into the face, alongside treatment, not instead of it.
Why does the tooth need a crown afterwards?
A crown covers and protects the remaining tooth structure and reduces the risk of fracture. Front teeth often manage with a filling.
How long will the tooth last?
A properly treated and restored tooth can last for many years. How long it lasts depends on the amount of tooth remaining, the restoration and how well it is maintained.
Awaiting clinical review by Dr Hamza Akhlaq.
