"Root canal" might be the most feared phrase in dentistry — but the treatment's reputation is decades out of date. Today a root canal is usually no more uncomfortable than a filling, and it's the best way to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost.
Why would I need a root canal?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed or infected. That's what causes the throbbing, lingering pain many people experience.
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold drinks
- Toothache that wakes you up at night
- Swelling of the gum or face
- A tooth that has turned grey or dark
What happens during the treatment
After an X-ray and numbing the tooth, the dentist makes a small opening, removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals, and seals them. Most treatments are completed in one or two visits.
What affects the cost?
The cost of root canal treatment depends on which tooth is treated (molars have more canals than front teeth), how severe the infection is, the number of visits, and the type of crown chosen afterwards. Call the clinic for an estimate after an examination.
Recovery tips
- Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final crown is placed.
- Mild soreness for a day or two is normal.
- Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
- Keep your follow-up appointment for the crown.
If you're in Kotdwar and have a toothache that won't go away, don't wait for it to get worse — early treatment is simpler and saves more of your natural tooth.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please visit a dentist for advice about your own teeth.