Root canal treatment cost in India (2026)
What a root canal costs in India, why molars cost more, what the crown adds, and how to compare quotes fairly.
Root canal treatment (RCT) in India typically costs ₹4,100 to ₹10,500 per tooth at national clinic chains. A front tooth costs less than a molar with several canals. The crown that usually follows is quoted separately, so plan for about ₹7,000 to ₹25,000 for both together, depending on the crown.
These are typical ranges reported by Indian clinics in 2025-26, and they vary by city and clinic. For reference, the government's CGHS rate is ₹2,000 for a single-rooted tooth and ₹3,000 for a multi-rooted tooth in a Tier I city.
How to read these prices
These are typical ranges reported by Indian clinics in 2025-26. Most chains publish a starting price, so your quote can be higher. Prices vary by city and clinic. No single clinic sets the market price.
What affects the cost of a root canal
Number of roots and canals
A front tooth often has 1 canal. A molar can have 3 or 4. More canals mean more time and a higher fee.
First treatment or re-treatment
Re-doing an old root canal is harder. It costs more than a first one.
Extra steps
A badly broken tooth may need a post and core build-up before the crown. This is often a separate charge.
Equipment and who treats you
Some clinics use rotary files, apex locators and magnification. A dentist with an MDS in root canal work (an endodontist) may charge more.
The crown you choose
A metal crown costs a few thousand rupees. Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns cost much more. See dental crown cost.
What is usually included
- Numbing the tooth with local anaesthetic.
- Opening the tooth, cleaning and shaping each canal.
- X-rays during treatment to check the length of each canal, at many clinics.
- Sealing the canals and placing a filling on top.
The crown, the post and core, and the first diagnostic X-ray are often charged separately. Ask for one quote that lists everything.
Front tooth, molar and re-treatment compared
| Type | Published private prices (₹) | CGHS rate, Tier I (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-rooted tooth (most front teeth) | From ₹4,100 at one chain. From ₹5,347 at another | 2,000 |
| Multi-rooted tooth (premolars, molars) | From ₹7,000 at a national chain | 3,000 |
| Re-treatment of an old root canal | From ₹9,767 at a national chain | 2,500 front, 3,000 back |
| Post and core build-up | Varies by material | 1,500 |
| Crown after the root canal | ₹2,700 to ₹7,500 at a national chain. Premium crowns cost more | 2,000 metal, 3,000 metal-ceramic |
Do you need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth usually do. A root-canal-treated molar has lost a lot of its inner structure. It takes heavy chewing force, so it is more likely to crack without a crown. Front teeth with little damage sometimes manage with a filling. Your dentist will decide based on how much tooth is left.
When you compare quotes, compare the total: root canal, build-up and crown. A low root canal fee with a high crown fee can end up costing the same.
Questions to ask your dentist
- How many canals does this tooth have?
- Does the fee include all X-rays and visits?
- Will I need a post and core? Is it extra?
- Which crown do you suggest, and what does it cost?
- What happens if the tooth needs re-treatment later?
- Can this tooth be saved long term, or is extraction a better choice?
Cheaper vs pricier options, honestly
A root canal costs more than an extraction on the day. But it keeps your own tooth. Replacing a removed tooth with an implant usually costs far more. See the implant guide and tooth extraction cost to compare.
A higher root canal fee often reflects time, equipment or an endodontist's training. That can matter for a difficult molar or a re-treatment. For a simple front tooth, a general dentist can usually do the job well.
For the crown, metal is the lowest cost and strong. Tooth-coloured crowns cost more and look more natural. Choose based on where the tooth is and your budget. Many patients worry about pain. Read how pain is managed in modern dentistry.
All treatments in one table: dental treatment costs in India (2026).
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of root canal treatment in India?
Root canal treatment in India typically costs ₹4,100 to ₹10,500 per tooth at national clinic chains. A front tooth with one root costs less than a molar with several canals. A crown is usually extra, so the total for both is about ₹7,000 to ₹25,000.
Is the crown included in the root canal cost?
Usually not. Most clinics quote the root canal and the crown separately. One national chain lists its crowns after a root canal at ₹2,700 to ₹7,500 on top of the root canal fee. Ask for both prices together.
Why does a root canal on a molar cost more?
Molars have 2 to 4 roots and often 3 or more canals. Each canal has to be found, cleaned, shaped and sealed. That takes longer, so the fee is higher. Under CGHS rates, a multi-rooted tooth is ₹3,000 against ₹2,000 for a single-rooted tooth.
What is the CGHS rate for root canal treatment?
Under the October 2025 CGHS list, root canal treatment is ₹2,000 for a single-rooted tooth and ₹3,000 for a multi-rooted tooth at an accredited Tier I city hospital. Smaller cities and non-accredited hospitals get lower rates.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Many root canals are done in 1 to 3 visits. An infected tooth may need medicine placed inside it between visits. The crown usually needs 1 or 2 more visits.
Is re-doing a failed root canal more expensive?
Yes. Re-treatment means removing the old filling material from the canals before cleaning again. One national chain lists re-treatment from ₹9,767, against ₹5,347 for a first root canal on a single-rooted tooth.
See a dentist in person if…
- You have swelling in your face or gums, or a fever with tooth pain.
- Tooth pain wakes you at night or lasts long after hot or cold.
- A tooth hurts when you bite and the pain is getting worse.
- A tooth with a root canal has broken.
For antibiotics or pain medicines, a dentist decides after an exam. Ask a pharmacist or dentist before taking any medicine.
Advised a root canal and want a second view on the plan? Book a ₹200 video consultation.
Sources
Prices were read on the pages below on 5 Oct 2026. Clinics change their prices often. Treat every figure as a guide and ask for a written quote.
- Clove Dental. Root canal treatment cost in India, published price page. https://clovedental.in/cost/root-canal-treatment-cost
- Sabka Dentist. Complete dental price list (stated as indicative prices). https://sabkadentist.com/complete-dental-pricelist/
- Clove Dental. Dental crown cost in India, published price page. https://clovedental.in/cost/dental-crown-cost
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024 dated 03.10.2025: CGHS rates applicable for treatment at healthcare organisations, effective 13.10.2025, Annexure I, dental procedures (Tier I, II and III city lists). https://dtf.in/wp-content/files/CGHS_O.M._dated_03.10.2025_-_CGHS_Rates_applicable_for_treatment_at_healthcare_organisation.pdf
- CGHS official website, where the rate lists are published. https://cghs.mohfw.gov.in/