Glossary term · Treatment
Root canal treatment (also: Endodontic treatment, RCT): Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, shapes, fills and seals the root canals.
Root canal treatment removes infection from the soft pulp inside a tooth, then cleans, fills and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. The NHS says it is usually done under local anaesthetic and often takes two or more appointments. Without treatment, a tooth with an infected pulp may need to be removed.
Why might you need it?
The NHS explains that the pulp can become infected through tooth decay, gum disease, a chipped, cracked or broken tooth, or a dental abscess.
How is it done?
After a local anaesthetic, the dentist opens the tooth and removes the infected pulp, draining any abscess. The inside is cleaned and shaped, then filled and sealed. The NHS says each visit may last one to two hours or longer. A temporary filling is placed between visits. A crown may be needed afterwards if the tooth was badly infected.
What aftercare is needed?
- Your jaw may stay numb for several hours after each visit.
- The area may be swollen and sore for a while. The NHS suggests paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
- Avoid knocking or biting hard on the tooth before the final restoration.
- Attend all follow-up appointments and keep up good oral hygiene.
How does it fit into a dental trip to India?
Because treatment often needs more than one appointment, plan your stay around the full sequence. That includes any crown, which may need impressions and fitting on separate days. Ask the dentist how many visits they expect for your teeth before you book. Bring any recent dental X-rays, and ask for copies of all X-rays taken in India for your dentist at home.
Questions people ask
Can root canal treatment be finished in one visit?
The NHS says it usually takes two or more appointments. Some simple cases may be completed sooner, but that depends on the tooth and infection. Ask the dentist for an estimate after examination and X-rays.
Will I need a crown?
The NHS says a crown may be needed if the tooth was badly infected. Back teeth often need extra protection after root canal treatment. Your dentist will advise, and fitting a crown can add appointments.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.