Learn about Tooth Decay Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Tooth Decay and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the progressive destruction of a tooth's hard tissues (enamel, dentin) caused by acid-producing bacteria in dental plaque. Dental surgery for tooth decay involves the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth and its restoration. The primary procedure is a dental filling, where the cleaned cavity is filled with materials like composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. For more extensive decay, a dental crown may be placed after removing the decay and shaping the tooth. In severe cases where the decay reaches the tooth's pulp (nerve), a root canal treatment is performed to remove the infected tissue, followed by a crown. These procedures, performed under local anesthesia, are essential to relieve pain, restore function, prevent infection spread, and preserve the natural tooth structure.

Key Highlights

    Effectively removes decayed and infected tooth structure to halt disease progression.Relieves toothache, sensitivity, and discomfort caused by cavities.Restores the tooth's shape, strength, and chewing function.Prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth, gums, or bone.Preserves the natural tooth, often avoiding the need for extraction.Improves oral health and prevents more complex, costly procedures in the future.liModern materials (like tooth-colored composites) provide aesthetic, natural-looking results./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on the tooth surface.
  • Toothache or spontaneous pain, especially when eating or drinking.
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
  • Mild to sharp pain when biting down.
  • Brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth.
  • Diagnosis of a cavity via dental X-ray or clinical examination.
  • Chipped or fractured tooth structure due to weakened enamel from decay.

How to prepare

  • A comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays, to assess the extent of decay.
  • Discussion of treatment options, materials (e.g., composite vs. amalgam), and anesthesia.
  • Informing the dentist about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications.
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene prior to the appointment.
  • Eating a light meal beforehand is often recommended, as eating may be uncomfortable after local anesthesia.
  • For anxious patients, discussion of sedation options may be part of preparation.

Risks & possible complications

  • Temporary sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth after the anesthesia wears off.
  • Allergic reaction (rare) to materials used, such as metals in amalgam fillings.
  • Inadvertent damage to a healthy part of the tooth or a nearby tooth during the procedure.
  • Incomplete removal of decay, leading to recurrent decay under the filling or crown.
  • Filling or crown fracture, dislodgement, or wear over time.
  • For deep fillings, the tooth may require a root canal in the future if the nerve becomes irritated.
  • Risk of infection, though very low with standard sterile techniques.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • The treated area may be numb for 1-3 hours after the procedure; avoid chewing on that side.
  • Some sensitivity to pressure, temperature, or sweets is common for a few days to weeks.
  • Maintain oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing, avoiding the area if very sensitive initially.
  • Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods on the restored tooth for 24-48 hours.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (as advised by your dentist) can manage any discomfort.
  • Report persistent severe pain, swelling, or a high bite (feeling that the filling/crown is too tall) to your dentist promptly.
  • Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure proper healing and function.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-7 days (for resolution of minor sensitivity)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering tooth decay in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tooth decay compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 17 – USD 220 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-7 days (for resolution of minor sensitivity) Know More
Turkey USD 123 – USD 1,639 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-7 days (for resolution of minor sensitivity) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Rohan Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer,...

Rohan Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been diligent about his health but neglected his dental care due to long work hours and a fear of dentists rooted in a childhood experience. For months, he ignored a persistent sensitivity in his lower left molar when drinking anything cold. The discomfort gradually turned into a dull, throbbing ache that disrupted his sleep and concentration. During a routine check-up, his dentist, Dr. Kapoor, discovered a large cavity that had reached the inner pulp of the tooth, causing a localized infection. Dr. Kapoor explained gently that a root canal treatment was necessary to save the tooth and prevent an abscess. Rohan was anxious but trusted Dr. Kapoor's calm demeanor. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia and was painless, though the sounds and sensations were unsettling. Recovery involved mild soreness for a few days, managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. A follow-up confirmed the success, and a crown was placed. Emotionally, Rohan moved from fear and denial to relief and empowerment. He now maintains a strict oral hygiene routine and attends regular check-ups, having conquered his dental anxiety.

Dental surgeons for Tooth Decay

Explore experienced dental surgeons who regularly perform tooth decay and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sumit Agrawal
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri

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Dr. Vandana Daga
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Shraddha Bahirwani
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Oishee Mukherjee
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Supratim Ghosh
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Chethan L
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Akansha Malawat
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. AJAY CHOUDHARY
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

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Dr. Ankita Sharma
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Arun Muralidharan
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Nitika Kaur
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1100
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

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Dr. Shweta Bali
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

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Dr. Sumanth S
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Swetha M
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Amitava Dey
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Dhiman Banerjee
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Chandani Batra
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

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Dr. Suman Das
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Akhilesh Sharma
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Sarada M
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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