Dr. Purvi Ankit Gohil
General Dentist
Bachelor of Dental Surgery of the Maharashtra
University of Health Sciences, Nashik, India (2003)
Speaks English, Hindi
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure to treat infected or painful teeth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. Don’t ignore symptoms like toothache, swelling, or sensitivity, these could mean you need a root canal. Contact us today to save your tooth and restore your oral health!
Table of Contents
Root Canal Treatment in 30 Seconds
- What it is: The pulp inside your tooth (nerves and blood vessels) gets infected or inflamed. The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects and seals the canals, saving your natural tooth instead of pulling it.
- Does it hurt: The whole procedure is done under local anaesthetic, much like a filling, so usually no significant pain. Root canal treatment is done to relieve pain. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.
- How much: Depends on the tooth and number of canals. Prince Philip Dental Hospital public fees are around HK$6,600–$25,000 per tooth (front teeth have fewer canals and cost less; molars have more), for market reference only.
- How long: Usually 1–3 visits (simpler front-tooth cases may finish in 1–2; molars with more canals may need 2–3), about 60–90 minutes each.
- Do you need a crown: A treated tooth becomes more brittle, so a crown is usually recommended to protect it from fracture.
- Where in Tung Chung: Bayside Dental (Caribbean Square, 1 Kin Tung Road) provides root canal treatment. Book an assessment.
Our Root Canal Treatment Dentists
Dr. Ming Hon Chim
General Dentist
Bachelor of Dental Surgery of the University of Hong Kong (2013)
Speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin
What is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?
Root canal treatment (RCT, also called endodontic treatment) is a common procedure for a tooth whose pulp has become infected or inflamed. Inside every tooth root is a network of tiny channels, the root canal system, which houses the pulp: the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue running from the pulp chamber down to the tip of each root.
When deep decay, a crack or trauma lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed and can die. Once the damage is irreversible, painkillers and fillings can no longer save it. RCT removes the infected pulp, disinfects and seals the canals, so you keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it.
When is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
RCT is needed when the pulp becomes irreversibly infected or inflamed. Common causes include:
- deep decay reaching the pulp;
- repeated dental work on the same tooth;
- a crack or chip exposing the pulp;
- trauma, even with no visible crack;
- advanced gum disease (less common) spreading up from the gums.
Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms and the infection is only found on X-ray, which is why regular check-ups matter. Delaying treatment can let the infection spread, and the tooth may become impossible to save, needing an implant or bridge instead.
7 Common Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
A hole, chip, or crack in the tooth
Extreme pain that wakes you up at night
Significant toothache while chewing
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers even after the food/drink is removed
Dark or discolored tooth
Tender or swollen gums near the affected tooth
Swelling around the face and neck
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional dental care immediately.
Does a Root Canal Hurt? (Busting the Biggest Myth)
The idea that root canals are agonising is the biggest myth. Modern RCT is done to relieve pain, not cause it:
- Local anaesthetic: the area is thoroughly numbed, so it feels much like having a filling, with usually no significant pain during treatment.
- Removing the source: the procedure clears the infected or inflamed pulp causing your pain, so the severe toothache usually eases afterward.
- Afterward: mild tenderness for a few days is common, similar to a deep filling, and usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief.
Root Canal Treatment Process
Number of Visits: 1 – 3 (simpler front-tooth cases 1–2; molars with more canals 2–3)
Appointment Time Per Visit: 60 – 90 minutes
Recovery: no downtime needed
Step 1: Radiographs and Consultation
We start with a detailed consultation, taking X-rays and digital scans to understand how far the infection has reached and the shape of the canals, then explain your treatment plan and the likely number of visits.
Step 2: Cleaning the Canals
Our dentist carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp and thoroughly cleans and disinfects the entire root canal system, ready for sealing to prevent re-infection.
Step 3: Sealing the Tooth
Once cleaned and disinfected, the canals are tightly sealed with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) to keep bacteria out; the access opening is closed with a temporary filling until the permanent restoration.
Step 4: Final Restoration
A treated tooth loses its pulp supply and becomes more brittle and prone to fracture, so a crown is usually recommended afterward to cover the whole tooth, restore strength and appearance, and seal out bacteria. It is a key part of long-term success (see Crowns & Bridges).
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? (Tung Chung / Hong Kong)
There is no single price. It mainly depends on:
- Tooth position / number of canals: front teeth usually have 1 canal (lower cost); premolars 1–2; molars have 3–4 canals (most complex, highest cost).
- Complexity: whether retreatment is needed, or canals are curved or calcified.
- Restoration: the crown afterward is usually costed separately.
Market reference (for reference only): according to the Prince Philip Dental Hospital (PPDH) public fee schedule, root canal treatment is around HK$6,600–$25,000 per tooth.
This reflects general Hong Kong market fee levels, citing the PPDH public fee schedule, and does not represent Bayside Dental Tung Chung’s own pricing; the actual fee depends on the tooth type and complexity after examination. Full fee notes: Dental Fee Reference.
Want an estimate for your case? WhatsApp us and the dentist will explain after a check-up.
Root Canal vs Extraction vs Implant: How to Choose
When feasible, saving your natural tooth (root canal + crown) is usually the first choice:
- keeps your natural root and bone support;
- gives more natural chewing function;
- is generally less expensive up front than extraction + implant/bridge;
- is less invasive.
Extraction and replacement (implant/bridge) become necessary when the tooth is too damaged to save, when a root canal fails and cannot be redone, or when severe gum disease has destroyed its support. Implants are excellent replacements but involve surgery, higher cost and longer treatment (see Tooth Extraction / Wisdom Teeth, Dental Implants).
Do You Always Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Most of the time, yes. A treated tooth loses its pulp supply and becomes more brittle and prone to fracture, especially the molars that take the most chewing force. A crown covers the whole tooth, restores strength and appearance, and helps seal out bacteria for long-term success. Some front teeth may be restored differently, and your dentist will advise (see Crowns & Bridges).
What If a Root Canal Fails or Needs Redoing?
Root canal treatment is safe with a high success rate: per endodontic literature (e.g. the American Association of Endodontists), 10-year success rates often exceed 90%. Occasionally, though, a treated tooth can get re-infected or heal poorly. Common reasons include:
- complex, curved or hidden canals not fully cleaned the first time;
- narrow or calcified canals that are hard to fully disinfect;
- saliva contamination during treatment or before sealing;
- a new crack developing in the tooth;
- an inadequate or damaged crown/filling letting bacteria back in.
If this happens, the dentist can assess whether a root canal retreatment is possible: reopening, cleaning and resealing the canals; complex cases may need referral. Completing the crown promptly and keeping up regular check-ups is the best way to keep the risk of failure low.
Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Before Treatment
- Consultation: discuss your symptoms and agree a treatment plan with your dentist.
- Tell us: share your medical history and any medications you take.
- Controlling infection: if there is acute swelling or severe pain, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers first to control the infection before treatment.
After Treatment
- Pain management: take over-the-counter pain relief as advised for the mild tenderness that is normal for a few days.
- Diet: stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid hard or sticky foods.
- Protect the tooth: avoid biting hard food on it until the permanent crown is placed; chew on the other side.
- Oral hygiene: keep brushing and flossing gently, and return to complete the crown.
- Warning signs: see a dentist promptly for severe swelling, persistent pain or fever.
Root Canal Recovery Timeline
- Treatment day: don’t chew until the anaesthetic wears off, to avoid biting yourself; after that you can eat normally, but chew on the other side at first.
- First 2–3 days: mild tenderness or sensitivity around the tooth is normal and usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief.
- Within about a week: the discomfort usually fades and most people carry on with work or school as usual.
- 1–2 weeks later: once the tooth settles, return to complete the permanent crown that protects it.
If you develop severe swelling, persistent pain or fever during recovery, the infection may not be controlled, so contact our Emergency Dentist service promptly.
Book Root Canal Treatment in Tung Chung
Bayside Dental is located at Caribbean Square, 1 Kin Tung Road, Tung Chung, serving Tung Chung, Yat Tung and nearby communities. Don’t let a toothache wait. If you have persistent pain, lingering sensitivity or gum swelling, book an assessment with our dentists to treat it early and save your natural tooth.
⚠ Severe pain or facial swelling can be an emergency: see our Emergency Dentist service.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or believe you might need a root canal, don’t wait; contact us to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Question
Is RCT painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, much like a filling, so usually no significant pain. RCT is done to relieve pain. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does RCT take?
Usually 1–3 visits (simpler front-tooth cases 1–2; molars with more canals 2–3) of about 60–90 minutes, depending on the tooth and canal complexity.
What factors affect the cost of RCT?
Mainly the tooth position and number of canals (front teeth fewest, molars most), the complexity, whether retreatment is needed, and the crown afterward. Market reference: around HK$6,600–$25,000/tooth (PPDH public fees, for reference only).
Do I need a crown after RCT?
Usually yes. A treated tooth is more brittle, and a crown protects it from fracture and supports long-term success.
How can I take care of my teeth after RCT?
Avoid hard food on it until the crown is placed, keep up oral hygiene, and return for follow-up; see a dentist promptly for severe swelling or fever.
What are the potential risks and complications of RCT?
RCT is safe with a high success rate: per endodontic literature (e.g. the American Association of Endodontists), 10-year success rates often exceed 90%. Occasionally a tooth can get re-infected, from complex hidden canals, an inadequate crown letting bacteria in, or a new crack or decay, so completing the crown and regular check-ups matter.
How long does a root canal last?
With thorough cleaning, a timely crown and good oral hygiene, a root-canal-treated tooth can last many years, often a lifetime (10-year success data as above).
Root canal vs extraction: which should I choose?
When feasible, saving the tooth (root canal + crown) is usually preferred: it keeps your natural root and chewing function, is less invasive, and is generally cheaper up front. Extraction + implant/bridge is considered only when the tooth cannot be saved.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Not until the anaesthetic fully wears off (to avoid biting yourself). After that you can eat normally, but avoid hard food on that tooth and chew on the other side until the permanent crown is placed.