If a dull ache in your tooth has turned into a sharp, throbbing pain, your dentist has probably mentioned root canal treatment. And naturally, your next question is: how much will it cost? It’s a fair question. Root canal treatment isn’t cheap, and prices in Kolkata can range quite a bit depending on the tooth involved, the clinic you choose, and whether you need a crown afterward. This guide breaks down real numbers, explains what affects the price, and helps you understand what you’re actually paying for so you can make an informed decision without guesswork. Quick Summary Box Average RCT cost in Kolkata: ₹3,500 – ₹12,000 per tooth (excluding crown) With crown: ₹6,000 – ₹25,000 depending on crown material Single sitting RCT: Slightly higher per visit but saves time Front teeth are generally cheaper than molars Treatment usually takes 1 to 3 sittings of 30–60 minutes each Success rate with proper aftercare is high, though not guaranteed in every case What Is Root Canal Treatment? Root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth, cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent further infection. It’s performed by a general dentist or, in more complex cases, an endodontist a specialist trained specifically in treating the inside of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Once bacteria reach it, usually through deep tooth decay, a crack, or repeated dental procedures, the tooth can’t heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone around the root. Why Do You Need a Root Canal? Common causes include: Deep cavities left untreated Cracked or fractured teeth Repeated dental work on the same tooth Trauma or injury to a tooth Gum disease that has reached the root Common symptoms that suggest you might need one: Symptom What It Usually Means Lingering pain with hot/cold Pulp inflammation Pain while chewing Possible infection near root Swollen gums near a tooth Abscess or infection Tooth darkening Pulp death Persistent bad taste Draining infection If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth getting an X-ray done rather than waiting it out. Root Canal Treatment Cost in Kolkata On average, root canal treatment in Kolkata costs between ₹3,500 and ₹12,000 per tooth, not including the crown. This is broadly in line with pricing across most metro cities in India, though it can vary by clinic reputation, technology used, and the complexity of the case. Root Canal Cost by Tooth Type Molars have more canals and take longer to treat, which is why they typically cost more than front teeth. Tooth Type Approximate Cost (RCT only) Front tooth (Incisor) ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 Premolar ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 Molar ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 These are indicative figures your dentist will confirm exact pricing after an X-ray and clinical exam. Single Sitting vs Multiple Sitting Root Canal Cost Factor Single Sitting RCT Multiple Sitting RCT Number of visits 1 2–3 Time per visit 60–90 minutes 30–45 minutes each Best suited for Non-infected or mildly infected teeth Severely infected teeth Cost Slightly higher per visit Spread across visits Convenience Ideal for working professionals Better for complex infections Single sitting root canal treatment has become popular in Kolkata among working professionals who can’t take multiple days off. That said, your dentist will recommend the approach based on how infected the tooth is  not personal convenience alone. Root Canal with Crown Cost A crown protects the treated tooth from fracturing, especially for molars that bear heavy chewing force. Skipping the crown when it’s clinically recommended is one of the most common mistakes patients make. Crown Type Approximate Cost Metal Ceramic (PFM) Crown ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 Zirconia Crown ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 Full Ceramic Crown ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 So, a molar root canal with a zirconia crown could realistically total ₹14,000 – ₹27,000, while a front tooth RCT with a metal ceramic crown may fall closer to ₹6,500 – ₹11,500. Factors That Affect Root Canal Cost Factor Impact on Cost Tooth location (front vs molar) Molars cost more Number of canals More canals = more time = higher cost Severity of infection Complex infections may need extra visits Type of crown chosen Zirconia costs more than PFM Clinic technology (rotary, microscope) May add to cost but improves precision Dentist’s experience Specialist endodontists may charge more Location within the city South Kolkata clinics vary from suburban ones Is Root Canal Painful? This is probably the most common concern, and the honest answer is: modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is largely painless. Most patients describe it as similar to getting a filling done. Some mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal and manageable with prescribed medication. Recovery and Aftercare Recovery Timeline Day What to Expect Day 1–2 Mild soreness, slight sensitivity Day 3–5 Discomfort reduces significantly Week 1–2 Crown placement (if pending) Month 1 Tooth functions normally Foods to eat: Soft foods, warm soups, mashed vegetables, yogurt. Foods to avoid: Hard, sticky, or very hot/cold foods until the crown is placed. Basic aftercare includes gentle brushing, avoiding chewing directly on the treated tooth, and attending your follow-up for the crown. Success Rate and Risks Root canal treatment has a generally high success rate when performed correctly and followed by a crown where needed. That said, no medical procedure is guaranteed. Rare complications can include reinfection, missed canals, or crown-related issues, which is why follow-up visits matter. Myths vs Facts Myth Fact Root canals are extremely painful They’re done under anaesthesia; pain is minimal Extraction is always cheaper long-term Implants/bridges after extraction often cost more overall A root canal tooth doesn’t need a crown Molars especially need crowns to prevent fracture One sitting always means better treatment Approach depends on infection severity, not convenience FAQs 1. How much does root canal treatment cost in Kolkata? It generally ranges from ₹3,500 to ₹12,000 per tooth, excluding the crown. Molars cost more than front teeth due to the