Single Sitting RCT: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Visit
If you've been told you need a root canal, the phrase "single sitting RCT" is good news: for suitable teeth, the entire treatment — cleaning, shaping and sealing the canals — happens in one visit of about 60 to 90 minutes, instead of three appointments spread over weeks. Here's exactly what happens, so there are no surprises.
Before the procedure
An X-ray (and where needed, a 3D scan) confirms which tooth is involved, how many canals it has, and whether infection has spread to the bone. This is also where the single-vs-multiple sitting decision is made — a tooth with active pus discharge usually needs a staged approach, while most inflamed or recently infected teeth qualify for single-sitting treatment.
During the visit, step by step
- Numbing. Local anaesthesia around the tooth. Modern technique — topical gel first, slow injection — makes even this step comfortable. You stay fully awake; you simply don't feel the tooth.
- Isolation. A thin rubber sheet keeps the tooth dry and protected from saliva — one of the quiet keys to long-lasting RCT.
- Access and cleaning. A small opening is made in the tooth, and the infected nerve tissue is removed from each canal using rotary instruments — flexible, motor-driven files that are faster and gentler than hand filing.
- Measurement. An electronic apex locator measures each canal's exact length, so the filling reaches the root tip precisely — better accuracy with fewer X-rays.
- Disinfection and sealing. Canals are washed with antiseptic solution, dried, and sealed with gutta-percha, a rubber-like biocompatible material.
- The filling. The access opening is closed with a permanent filling the same day — no temporary cement, no open tooth between visits.
After the procedure
Expect mild soreness on biting for two or three days — the ligament around the root has been working overtime and needs to settle. Routine painkillers handle it. Eat on the other side until your crown is placed, and avoid very hard foods on the treated tooth.
Don't skip the crown
For molars and premolars, the crown is not an optional extra — a root-treated back tooth without a crown has a real risk of fracturing within a few years, which can make the tooth unsaveable. Ideally the crown goes on within a few weeks of the RCT.
Have questions about your teeth?
Smiles By Dr. T · Plot No 35, Sector 45, Near ISKCON Temple, Gurgaon
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to go to work after a single-sitting RCT?
Yes. Once the anaesthesia wears off (2–3 hours), you can go about your day normally. Most patients schedule RCT during a lunch break or before an afternoon off simply for comfort.
Why did my tooth stop hurting before treatment — do I still need the RCT?
Yes, and this situation is deceptive. When pain disappears on its own, it often means the nerve has died — but the infection is still there and will typically resurface as an abscess. A dead tooth still needs treatment.
What is the success rate of RCT?
Well-performed root canal treatment succeeds in roughly 90–95% of cases over the long term. Isolation during treatment, complete cleaning of all canals, and a timely crown are the biggest success factors.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Gurgaon region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.