​

​

1. What is a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed to remove infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, disinfect the root canal system, and seal it to prevent reinfection. It relieves pain, stops infection from spreading, and saves your natural tooth.

​

2. Why do I need a root canal?

You may need a root canal if you have deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures, or trauma that has exposed or infected the pulp. Symptoms often include severe pain, prolonged sensitivity, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gums.

​

3. Is root canal treatment painful?

Modern root canal therapy is performed under effective local anesthesia, making the procedure comfortable. Most patients report that it feels similar to getting a routine filling. Post-treatment discomfort, if any, is mild and manageable with medications.

​

4. How many visits does a root canal require?

Most RCTs are completed in 1–2 visits, depending on the severity of infection, complexity of the tooth anatomy, and healing response. At SmileSparks, we aim for efficient, clinically sound single-visit RCTs whenever possible.

​

5. What happens during a root canal procedure?

The dentist numbs the tooth, removes the infected pulp, thoroughly cleans and shapes the canals, disinfects the area, and seals it with a biocompatible material. A crown is often recommended after the procedure to restore strength and function.

​

6. Why is a dental crown needed after a root canal?

After RCT, the tooth becomes more brittle and is prone to fracture. A dental crown protects the tooth structure, restores chewing efficiency, and ensures long-term success of the treatment.

​

7. Is RCT better than tooth extraction?

Yes. Saving the natural tooth is always preferred, as it maintains chewing ability, prevents shifting of nearby teeth, and preserves jawbone integrity. Extraction should be a last resort when the tooth cannot be saved.

​

8. How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?

With proper restoration and good oral hygiene, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years or even a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups help monitor the tooth's long-term health.

​

9. What if I do not get a root canal when advised?

Delaying treatment can worsen the infection, cause severe pain or swelling, lead to bone loss, and eventually result in tooth loss. Early treatment ensures faster healing and prevents complications.

​

10. Can a root canal fail?

While success rates are extremely high, RCT may fail due to complex anatomy, missed canals, re-infection, or inadequate restoration. Retreatment or endodontic surgery can usually address such issues.

​

11. Are antibiotics enough to cure a tooth infection?

No. Antibiotics only reduce the surrounding infection temporarily. They cannot eliminate bacteria inside the root canal system. RCT is the definitive solution for saving an infected tooth.

​

12. Is a root canal safe for medically compromised patients?

Root canal therapy is generally safe for patients with diabetes, cardiac conditions, hypertension, and other medical concerns, provided proper precautions are taken. At SmileSparks, treatment is performed with full medical history evaluation and necessary modifications.

​

13. How should I care for my tooth after a root canal?

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent crown is placed. Maintain good brushing and flossing habits, follow prescribed medications, and attend follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

​

14. What is the cost of root canal treatment at SmileSparks?

The cost varies based on tooth type (front, premolar, molar), complexity, infection level, and technology used. SmileSparks follows transparent pricing aligned to the 60th percentile bracket—offering premium quality with broad affordability.

​

15. Does SmileSparks offer single-visit root canal treatment?

Yes. Using advanced rotary endodontics, apex localization, and digital imaging, we complete most RCTs in a single appointment without compromising precision or safety.