Dr. Viddulata Jagtap
Senior Dentist
The moment I say the words "Root Canal Treatment" to a patient at Shriyan Dental Clinic, I watch the colour drain from their face.
It happens almost every time. Almost every time, it is completely unnecessary.
Root canal treatment — or RCT, as we call it — is one of the most feared dental procedures in India. It is also one of the most misunderstood. The fear, in most cases, is not based on reality. It's based on something a relative experienced 20 years ago, or a horror story from a friend, or a particularly dramatic YouTube video.
Today, I want to have an honest, plain-language conversation about what a root canal actually involves, why it's not something to dread, and — because I know you're wondering — what it will cost you in Pune in 2025.
First: Why Do You Even Need a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. This pulp contains your tooth's nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When you have a deep tooth decay, a crack, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, bacteria can reach this pulp and cause a serious infection.
Left untreated, the infection doesn't just stay in the tooth. It can spread to the surrounding bone, cause a painful abscess, and in severe cases, spread to other parts of your body.
A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans and seals the canal, and saves your natural tooth from extraction. That's it. It is a rescue operation for your tooth.
5 Myths About Root Canals — Busted
Myth 1: Root canals are excruciatingly painful.
This is the biggest one. The truth: the infection causing your toothache is what hurts. The root canal relieves that pain. With modern local anaesthesia, the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than getting a tooth filling. Most of my patients in Mundhwa, Pune are surprised by how simple it felt.
Myth 2: It is better to just pull the tooth.
As a dentist, preserving your natural tooth is always my first priority. When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath begins to shrink (a process called bone resorption). Neighbouring teeth start to shift. Your bite changes. Replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge costs significantly more than a root canal. Save the tooth if you can.
Myth 3: Root canals cause illness.
This myth originated from flawed research conducted a century ago. It has been completely debunked by multiple peer-reviewed studies. The American Association of Endodontists is unambiguous: there is zero scientific evidence that root canal treatment causes any systemic disease.
Myth 4: The roots are removed during the procedure.
No. The roots stay in place. We remove only the infected pulp from inside the root canals, then clean and seal them. The tooth's foundation remains intact.
Myth 5: If I have no pain, I don't need a root canal.
Some infected teeth are completely painless, especially in the early or chronic stages. I regularly discover silent infections during routine check-up X-rays. This is exactly why a 6-monthly check-up is not optional — it's essential preventive care.
What Does a Root Canal Actually Involve? (Step by Step)
- Step 1 — Diagnosis: We take a digital X-ray to assess the extent of infection and map the root canal anatomy. No guesswork here — we use modern RVG (Radiovisiography) technology at our clinic.
- Step 2 — Anaesthesia: We numb the tooth and surrounding gum completely. You should feel zero pain during the procedure.
- Step 3 — Isolation: A small rubber sheet (dental dam) is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and sterile.
- Step 4 — Cleaning the Canals: We open the crown of the tooth and use rotary endodontic instruments (electronic files) to gently remove the infected pulp and shape the canals. This is where technology makes a huge difference. Rotary instruments are faster, smoother, and more precise than the old manual hand files.
- Step 5 — Sealing: Once the canals are thoroughly disinfected, they are filled with a biocompatible rubbery material called gutta-percha and sealed.
- Step 6 — Restoration: In most cases, a tooth that has had an RCT needs a crown placed on top to restore its full strength. We discuss crown options at a follow-up visit.
At Shriyan Dental Clinic, most straightforward cases are completed in a single sitting thanks to our rotary endodontic equipment. You walk in with toothache and walk out fixed.
Root Canal Cost in Pune (2025): An Honest Breakdown
I know this is what you've been scrolling for. Here is a realistic and transparent picture of what root canal treatment costs in Pune:
- The RCT Procedure itself: Generally ₹3,000 – ₹8,000, depending on which tooth is being treated. Front teeth (fewer canals) are simpler and less expensive. Molars (which can have 3-4 complex canals) cost more.
- The Crown (Post-RCT Restoration): A crown is almost always recommended after RCT to protect the treated tooth. The cost varies by material:
- Metal Crown: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 (strong, but visible for front teeth)
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): ₹5,000 – ₹9,000
- Full Zirconia Crown: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 (best aesthetics and strength)
- Total All-Inclusive Estimate: ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 for the complete procedure with a quality crown.
I strongly advise against choosing a dental clinic based solely on price. The skill of the dentist, the quality of instruments (rotary vs. manual), and the sterilization standards matter enormously for the long-term success of the treatment.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Don't wait for unbearable pain. Come in if you are experiencing:
- A persistent throbbing toothache that gets worse at night
- Sensitivity to hot food or drinks that lingers for more than a few seconds
- A pimple-like swelling on your gum near a tooth
- A tooth that has gone discoloured (darkened) compared to the teeth around it
- Pain when you apply pressure or bite down
If you are in Mundhwa, Kadwa, Kharadi, or Koregaon Park, come visit us at Shriyan Dental Clinic. We will take a digital X-ray and give you a clear, honest diagnosis — no pressure, no unnecessary treatment plans.
Your tooth is worth saving. Let's save it together.