Root Canal

What does root canal treatment do?

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. If it becomes inflamed or infected, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment. The affected tissue is removed, the internal spaces are cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is restored afterward. The purpose is to retain a natural tooth that can still function.

The final restoration matters. Some teeth can be restored with a filling, while others need a crown to protect what remains. Your dentist should explain both the root canal treatment and the restoration when discussing the plan.

When might extraction be recommended?

An extraction may be considered if a tooth cannot be restored reliably—for example, if a crack or decay has left too little usable structure, or if the surrounding support is severely compromised. The choice also depends on the tooth's position, its role in your bite and your broader dental health. A painful tooth is not automatically an unsavable tooth.

If the tooth is removed, ask what happens next. A gap may be left temporarily, but replacing a missing tooth may matter for chewing, appearance and the movement of neighbouring teeth. Possible replacements include an implant, a bridge or a removable denture, depending on the case.

Which option is quicker or cheaper?

It is tempting to compare only the immediate procedures. A fuller comparison includes the cost and appointments for restoring a root-treated tooth or replacing an extracted one. The right answer varies by tooth and treatment plan. Ask for an itemised estimate and the expected sequence of visits for each feasible option rather than assuming that one approach is always simpler.

Four questions to bring to your consultation

1. What does the examination or X-ray show about this particular tooth?

2. If we do a root canal, how will the tooth be restored afterward?

3. If extraction is recommended, why is saving it unlikely to work well?

4. If the tooth is removed, what replacement options make sense for me?

At Mr Dentist in Undri, Pune, the aim of the consultation should be a clear explanation of the condition of your tooth and the options that are realistically available. Explore the clinic's root canal treatment page or contact Mr Dentist to arrange an examination. If replacement becomes necessary, our guide to implants, bridges and dentures explains the next decision.

Clinical source notes for reviewer: American Association of Endodontists: root canal versus extraction; AAE: root canal explained; ADA: missing teeth.