If you’ve been told you need a root canal and your first reaction was fear — you’re not alone. Root canal treatment is one of the most feared dental procedures in the world. But here’s the truth most people don’t know: a root canal doesn’t cause pain — it relieves it.
At Basil Dental Clinic in New Gurgaon, our lead specialist Dr. Shilpi Gupta — All India Rank 1 Endodontist from PGIMS and a nationally award-winning dentist — performs root canal treatments every day. We asked her to set the record straight.
Why Do People Fear Root Canals?
The fear largely comes from outdated experiences. Decades ago, before modern anaesthesia and rotary instruments, root canals were uncomfortable. Today, with advanced techniques and effective local anaesthesia, most patients say it feels no different from getting a routine filling.
Dr. Shilpi explains: “The pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain of the infected tooth — not the treatment itself. The moment we begin the procedure, that pain starts going away.”
What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp — it contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp gets infected (due to deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental procedures), it causes severe, throbbing pain. A root canal removes this infected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth — saving it from extraction.
The procedure typically involves:
- Local anaesthesia — the area is completely numbed before we start
- Pulp removal — the infected tissue is carefully removed
- Canal cleaning & shaping — using advanced rotary instruments
- Sealing — the canals are filled with a biocompatible material
- Crown placement — a cap is placed to protect the treated tooth
Does It Hurt During the Procedure?
With proper anaesthesia — no. You may feel pressure or mild vibration, but not pain. At Basil Dental, Dr. Shilpi uses precision anaesthesia techniques and rotary endodontic systems that make the process faster and more comfortable than ever.
If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, you can always ask us to pause and re-administer anaesthesia. Patient comfort is our priority.
What About After the Procedure?
Some mild soreness for 2–3 days is normal — manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. Most patients return to work the next day. Compare this to the relentless pain of an untreated infected tooth, and the choice becomes obvious.
How Many Sittings Does It Take?
At Basil Dental Clinic, most root canals are completed in 1–2 sittings depending on the severity of infection. Dr. Shilpi’s expertise in endodontics means what takes others 3 visits often takes us one.
When Should You NOT Delay a Root Canal?
See a dentist immediately if you have:
- Severe, spontaneous toothache — especially at night
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Darkening of a tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
- A persistent pimple on the gums
Delaying treatment can lead to abscess formation, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss — which is far more expensive and painful to treat.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction — Which Is Better?
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better choice. A root canal preserves the tooth’s root, maintains jaw bone density, and avoids the gap or implant cost that extraction creates. Dr. Shilpi’s philosophy: “Your natural tooth is always worth saving if we can.”
Why Choose a Specialist Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who has done additional years of training specifically in root canal procedures. Dr. Shilpi Gupta holds All India Rank 1 from PGIMS — the country’s most prestigious post-graduate dental institution. When it comes to your root canal, specialist hands make all the difference in comfort, precision, and long-term success.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Visit Basil Dental Clinic at Vatika Town Square, New Gurgaon (near NH8).
Led by Dr. Shilpi Gupta — All India Rank 1 Endodontist from PGIMS.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 88261 81666 |
🕙 Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 8 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful in 2025?
No. With modern anaesthesia and rotary techniques, root canal treatment is no more painful than a filling. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is.
How long does a root canal take?
Typically 45–90 minutes per sitting. Most cases at Basil Dental Clinic are resolved in 1–2 sittings.
What is the cost of root canal treatment in Gurgaon?
Costs vary by tooth type (front vs. molar) and severity. Contact Basil Dental Clinic for a transparent, no-surprise quote after an examination.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness wears off (2–4 hours), then eat soft foods for the first day. Avoid chewing on the treated side until your crown is placed.