The Truth About Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment has an unfair reputation. Most patients who have been through modern RCT — especially when performed by a specialist — describe the experience as no worse than having a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain of the infection before treatment, not the procedure itself.

The goal of root canal treatment is simple: to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, clean and seal the root canals, and save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction. When performed by an FCPS-qualified endodontist like Dr. Athar Parvez, the procedure is precise, controlled, and comfortable.

✗ The Myth

"Root canals are extremely painful and should be avoided."

✓ The Reality

Modern RCT under local anaesthesia is virtually painless. It relieves the pain caused by infection — it doesn't cause it.

✗ The Myth

"It's better to just extract the tooth than go through a root canal."

✓ The Reality

Nothing replaces a natural tooth. Keeping it through RCT preserves your bite, bone, and avoids the cost and complexity of implants or bridges.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed. If you're experiencing any of the following, you may need an urgent assessment:

⚠ Warning Signs

Severe, persistent toothache
Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
Pain when biting or chewing
Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
A persistent pimple on the gums (abscess)
Deep decay or a cracked tooth
Previously treated tooth causing pain again

Don't wait if you're experiencing these symptoms. A dental infection can spread rapidly and become a serious medical emergency if left untreated.

The Root Canal Procedure at Smile Hub Clinics

Dr. Athar Parvez follows a meticulous, evidence-based approach to ensure thorough treatment and lasting results:

1

Diagnosis & X-Ray

A clinical examination and periapical X-ray confirm the extent of infection and the anatomy of the root canals. In complex cases, a CBCT scan may be recommended for 3D visualization of the canal system.

2

Local Anaesthesia

The tooth and surrounding area are fully anaesthetized. You will feel pressure during the procedure but no pain. For anxious patients, we take extra time to ensure complete comfort before beginning.

3

Access & Pulp Removal

A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected or inflamed pulp tissue is carefully removed using precision endodontic instruments.

4

Canal Cleaning & Shaping

The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and irrigated with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate bacteria and debris. This is the most critical step — thoroughness here determines long-term success.

5

Canal Obturation (Sealing)

The cleaned canals are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, preventing reinfection. A temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the access opening.

6

Crown Placement

A root-canal-treated tooth becomes more brittle over time. In most cases, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore full function. This is placed in a subsequent appointment.

Why Choose Smile Hub Clinics for Root Canal Treatment?

Specialist-Led Endodontic Care

FCPS-Qualified Endodontist: Dr. Athar Parvez completed his Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in endodontics — a postgraduate qualification that goes far beyond general dental training.

Patient comfort is non-negotiable: We never rush through anaesthesia. Every patient is fully numb before we begin — no exceptions. Multiple patients have specifically noted how comfortable their experience was in their reviews.

Complex cases welcome: Curved canals, calcified canals, retreatments, and previously failed root canals are within Dr. Athar's scope of practice as a specialist.

Complete in-house care: Post-RCT crown placement is handled by Dr. Abdullah Karamat (FCPS Prosthodontist) — ensuring the restoration matches the quality of the endodontic treatment.

Reasonable, transparent pricing: Multiple patients have noted our charges are fair compared to other clinics in Lahore — you get specialist care without specialist-clinic overheads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is root canal treatment painful?
No — not when done properly. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and most patients feel only slight pressure, not pain. Any discomfort is usually mild and lasts 1–2 days after the procedure, manageable with standard pain relief. The pain you may have experienced before treatment — from the infection — is far worse than the procedure itself.
How many sessions does a root canal take?
Most root canals at Smile Hub Clinics are completed in 1–2 sessions depending on the severity of infection and the complexity of the canal anatomy. Simple cases are often completed in a single visit. More severe infections may require a medicament dressing between appointments to fully resolve the infection before sealing.
What happens if I don't get a root canal?
A dental infection will not resolve on its own. Without treatment, it typically spreads — to the bone, to adjacent teeth, and potentially to the jaw and neck (a condition called Ludwig's angina, which is a serious medical emergency). Antibiotics can temporarily suppress symptoms but cannot cure an infected tooth. The only definitive options are root canal treatment or extraction.
How long does a root canal last?
A well-performed root canal followed by a proper crown can last the lifetime of the tooth. Success rates exceed 95% when performed by a specialist. The crown protecting the tooth is equally important — a root-canal-treated tooth without a crown is significantly more likely to fracture over time.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
In most cases, yes — especially for back teeth (molars and premolars) that bear heavy chewing forces. A root-canal-treated tooth loses some of its structural integrity and is more prone to fracture. A crown protects it from cracking and seals out bacteria. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a post and filling instead, depending on the remaining tooth structure.
What is the cost of root canal treatment in Lahore?
The cost varies depending on which tooth is being treated (front teeth have fewer canals than molars), the severity of infection, and whether a crown is needed afterwards. We provide a complete cost estimate during your consultation — no surprises. Our pricing is competitive for specialist-level endodontic care in Lahore.
Can a failed root canal be retreated?
Yes. Root canal retreatment involves removing the existing filling material, re-cleaning the canals, and resealing them. This is a more complex procedure but achieves good success rates in specialist hands. Dr. Athar Parvez handles retreatment cases at Smile Hub Clinics.