India for root canal

cr-07

Hi all,

Just wanted to get some opinions on this;

So I just came back from the dentist (routine cleaning & check-up). The dentist took a full mouth scan, and found that 2 of my teeth appear to be dead and the roots look inflamed/infected (upper right molar & upper left pre-molar). Both teeth have had extensive fillings in the past.

The dentist has advised that the molar will definitely need a root canal done, and the pre-molar would 'more than likely' also need a root canal, and she had referred me to the specialist to get both root canals done.

The price for both, is €650 & €750.

Neither tooth is paining, but both are relatively sensitive (something I can definitely live with, currently - and have been living with for well over a year now).

My wife is from Mumbai, India, and we are visiting for 3 weeks in early March 2026. Looking at the prices in the top dentistry practices in Mumbai, pricing for each tooth would be in the €150 range.

Take it that we already have the trip planned, I'm considering getting both root canals done there as prices are considerably cheaper.

Anyone have any strong disagreements that this is the wrong call?

ferpederine

I personally always get that stuff done at home. You are a long way from India if something subsequently goes wrong. Also, why take precious time out of your trip?

€1,400 vs. €300 is a big difference for sure but I mean, you can't put too much of a price on health.

cr-07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123787808#Comment_123787808

Thanks for the comment. Never had a root canal done before, so am unsure as to how long it/they actually take? From my understanding, it is a relatively straight forward procedure that could be done in a couple of hours (for both teeth).

Also, I don't think there is much aftercare (if any) needed post root canal? Now, if it was an implant / bridge etc, then that's a different story.

The cost savings would be around a grand in total (which would be the cost of the flights & more), but the €300 qouted is also at a top dentistry practice in Mumbai - which would be a "step up" compared to my local dentistry practice, I imagine.

ferpederine

No worries. I would just be personally very apprehensive. Unless your wife can personally vouch for the practice there or knows people who can. But that's just my nature. Never had a root canal before. Why not get a 2nd opinion at home first?

I actually live abroad and value my local dentist very much. They didn't realise I could understand their local language (as they speak English with me) and I heard them discussing how I was on the verge of needing one, but they would try to avoid it and see if pain or sensitivity developed. I just don't think you can put a price on the level of trust I have locally.

MacDanger

If you can get it done at the start of your 3 week holiday, it'd probably be best - at least then, you could resolve any immediate issues with the dentist in Mumbai

HeidiHeidi

I had a root canal done many years ago, no bother at all, never a minute's trouble from it since.

My sister had a root canal done a few years ago and it was like being in a car crash - huge trauma having it done, excruciating pain, infections afterwards, hard to describe how bad it was.

I would pay whatever is required to have it done close to home, and if you get off scott free like I did, consider it a bonus.

DayInTheBog

A friend got veneers done in India a few years ago. He's having to get them redone on his next trip over.

A root canal should be fairly standard . My wife got root canals and crowns done at home in Slovakia. Her latest crown cost 250 during the summer.

Personally I'd choose Slovakia over India any day.

Your best thing to do is visit the clinic before committing. Most of these top guys trained in Europe

cr-07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123788514#Comment_123788514

Thought the same myself, until my wife floated the idea. Her parents are still in India, so will get them to suss out a couple of places first beforehand.

Good that you have a local rapport with them, I imagine dentistry is cheaper than Ireland there?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123788591#Comment_123788591

Yes, that would be the plan - get the treatment done on either day 2 or 3.. any idea if there is much sensitivity post root canal?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123788597#Comment_123788597

Did your sister get seen to straight away when she discovered pain after the root canal? Or did she have to wait some time to see if the pain subsided?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123788613#Comment_123788613

Regarding the vaneers - is that considered 'normal', to get them re-done? Or was is shabby work from the practitioner in India? Would getting veneers done by more or less complicated than a root canal?

Boardnashea

I presume the Irish prices are just for the root canal and then the crown will have to be constructed on top of that?

DayInTheBog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123788891#Comment_123788891

I've no idea if it's normal. My friend seems to think they have a lifespan. Hell get them done in a day or 2.

Madd002

FYI - I had a root canal done 10yrs ago here in Ireland cost for root canal, posts and crown was €990. The crown was the most expensive part. So find out from your dentist exactly how much each tooth will cost you.