Dr Mohit Answers

By Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist), Certified Endodontist (BDS, MDS)
The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai

Short, plain answers to common dental questions. This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please get examined by a dentist for advice on your own tooth.

Is a root canal painful?

Not usually. The tooth is numbed before treatment, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The toothache that comes before treatment is usually the painful part.

• A root canal is usually completed in a single visit of about 30 to 45 minutes.
• More than one visit is needed only when the infection is very serious, for example with facial swelling or drainage from a sinus tract (a small opening in the gum that releases pus).
• Some soreness afterwards is common. A suitable painkiller can be taken to manage it, ideally as advised by your dentist.

Read more on our root canal treatment page.

Why does a tooth hurt after a filling?

Some sensitivity after a filling is considered normal for about 5 to 7 days. If it lasts longer or gets worse, please see your dentist.

• Mild sensitivity that gradually settles over the first week is expected.
• Pain that is getting worse, keeps you awake, or does not settle after a week needs to be checked.

See our teeth filling page, or book an appointment.

When does a root canal need retreatment?

A root canal may need retreatment when the treated tooth becomes painful again or shows signs of infection. Your dentist decides this after an examination and an X-ray.

• Signs that call for a check include pain, swelling, a boil on the gum, or pain when biting on the treated tooth.
• In our experience, retreatment is often successful, in the range of 70 to 80% or more, depending on the case. This is Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist)’s clinical experience, not a guarantee.
• A surgical microscope and loupes (magnifying glasses) are used for magnification, which helps improve root canal treatment.

Read about root canal treatment and dental crowns.

Can a tooth with a large filling be saved?

Often yes. With modern technology, equipment and materials, a tooth can often be saved when about 20% of the tooth structure remains. Below that, extraction followed by a dental implant may be considered.

• This depends on the case, so your dentist needs to examine the tooth and take an X-ray before advising.
• A tooth that is saved with a root canal usually needs a crown to protect what is left.
• If the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant is one way to replace it.

See root canal treatment, dental crowns and dental implants.

Dental implant or bridge: which is better?

It depends on your teeth, gums and bone. An implant replaces the missing tooth with a post in the jaw. A bridge uses the neighbouring teeth for support. Your dentist can advise after an examination.

• Dr. Manoj Bodhwani, our prosthodontist and implantologist, has placed more than 1,000 dental implants and is the implantologist for The Smile Makers Dental Clinic.
• Dental implants at our clinic start from ₹35,000, including the crown. Bridges start from ₹15,000 onwards. See the Fees page for the full list.

See dental implants, dental bridges and our fees.

Why does a crown come off, and what should I do?

A crown can come off if the cement weakens or the tooth underneath changes. Do not panic. Keep the crown safe and see a dentist soon.

• If you have pain, a suitable painkiller can be taken to manage it, and you should see the nearest dentist.
• If there is no pain, no sharp edge and no discomfort, keep the crown safe. Do not wrap it in newspaper, tissue or paper. Put it in a clean, empty box or container. It does not need to be kept in water.
• Then visit the dental clinic. In many cases the same crown can be fitted back using fresh dental cement.

Read more on our dental crown page or contact us.

How long should a root canal tooth last?

A well-done root canal can last many years, often 7 to 10 years or more, depending on the case.

• In our experience, regular check-ups help. They let the dentist catch any infection early and check that the crown is still sealed.
• A crown protects the treated tooth, which can become more brittle after a root canal.

See root canal treatment and dental crowns.

Does every painful tooth need a root canal?

Not necessarily. It depends on the cause of the pain. That needs a proper diagnosis and examination by a dental professional, and only then can a root canal be recommended.

• Tooth pain can have different causes, so the cause has to be found first.

See root canal treatment or book an examination.

Metal-fused ceramic or zirconia crown: which is better?

Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist) recommends zirconia as the metal-free option over a metal-fused ceramic crown. The final choice depends on the case.

• Zirconia is the crown material most commonly used today, compared with metal-ceramic.
• A metal-fused ceramic crown has a metal base. Metal can cause scatter (artifacts) on MRI scans, which mainly affects images near the mouth, head and neck.
• Zirconia is metal-free, so it does not cause this problem.

See our dental crown page and fees.

Book a consultation at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai.