Root Canal Treatment – All You Need To Know

Have you been advised by the dentist to undergo a root canal treatment (RCT)? Are you looking for all the necessary information about a root canal procedure before you go ahead? This blog discusses every query that frequently crosses one’s mind when you think about root canal treatment.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is required when the infection from a decayed tooth or an injury reaches the pulp (internal nerves and vessels) of the tooth. In that scenario, the tooth cannot be treated with just a simple filling. It needs a thorough cleaning of the entire canal system which harbors the infected tissue.

Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Once the tooth is decayed and left untreated, the infection spreads to the pulp and travels through the root canals of the tooth into the bone. This could lead to an abscess, pain from which can come and go. Antibiotics can temporarily alleviate the pain and swelling but are not capable of treating the underlying problem. Furthermore, regular intake of antibiotics can cause them to be less effective as the bacteria become more resistant over some time. Thus, it is better to get the treatment done as soon as possible.

Undergoing a root canal treatment at INDIADENS is nothing like those old sayings! It is usually completed in one appointment (single-sitting root canal treatment / RCT), or rarely may take more appointments in case of severe infection.

Indiadens is one of the few centers globally to possess lasers as an adjunct for complex cases and they are routinely used at Indiadens for the treatment of such patients. Getting an RCT is relatively painless and extremely effective here. You’ll be back to smiling, biting and chewing with ease.

The cost of root canal treatment varies with the tooth involved and the complexity of the case. Indiadens is known for its “quality meets affordability” approach for all dental treatments. The cost of root canal treatment at Indiadens, one of the best dental clinics in Delhi, NCR, India, starts from INR 4500/-.

When is RCT Needed?
How to know if you need an RCT?
Symptoms showing that you need a Root Canal Treatment

It is important to know that you may not have any symptoms in the early stages of infection, and every tooth will respond differently when it comes to tooth decay.

In some cases, your tooth may darken in colour, which could mean that the tooth (blood supply to the tooth) is dying.

Root canals are needed in a tooth with a deep cavity, or secondary infection beneath a pre-existing filling, or in a tooth cracked from injury or genetics. Sometimes they are electively done for various reasons.

There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal:

• Lingering sensitivity to hot and/or cold food and sweets, even after the sensation has been removed
• Throbbing pain while chewing or biting
• Pain that worsens when you lie down
• Tooth pain that radiates to the head and ears
• Pimples on the gums/swelling around the tooth
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Deep decay

Is RCT painful?

A root canal treatment at Indiadens will be performed after administering local anesthesia which makes the tooth and its surrounding tissues numb. This would ensure that you are comfortable and do not suffer from pain during the treatment.

Another world-class facility available at Indiadens is inhalational or conscious sedation. Indiadens is one of the rare centres in India and few globally, which has this facility. It is a blessing for apprehensive and fearful patients. (Learn how conscious sedation can help fearful patients overcome their anxiety)

Make sure you eat a light meal before you visit Indiadens for your treatment. You will be advised against chewing and biting until the numbness wears off.

How much does a root canal treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment varies with the tooth involved and the complexity of the case. Indiadens is known for its “quality meets affordability” approach for all dental treatments.

Although most of the root canal procedures performed at Indiadens are completed in a single appointment, root canal therapy (RCT) may require more than one appointment to complete.

The usual cost of root canal treatment in India ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10,000, depending upon the condition of the tooth, armamentarium and technique used. At Indiadens, the cost of RCT starts from Rs. 4500. We are one of the very few centres to offer laser-assisted root canal treatment. Equipped with cutting edge digital technology for precision in cleaning and shaping of canals, Indiadens is one of the best centres for you to undergo root canal therapy.

Do we need to put a cap on a root canal treated tooth?

All the teeth which undergo root canal treatment do not require caps/crowns. The teeth which have lost significant tooth structure due to caries or fractures and have become weak to an extent that they are more likely to break or fracture with the application of chewing forces are given a crown or cap to reinforce their strength and hence prolong their functional life.

What is the right age for root canal treatment?

There is no “right age” for root canal treatment. It can be carried out in any individual except the following:

1. ASA 3 or ASA 4 patients: These are patients with uncontrolled or acute medical diseases in whom either root canal is not done or done in hospital settings.
2. Kids with milky teeth: This is not a contraindication per se. Milky teeth also undergo root canal treatment but the process and armamentarium are a bit different compared to permanent teeth.

What is the life of a root canal treated tooth?

The literature says that more than 85 per cent of the teeth last 10 years or longer after RCT. This success may jump higher significantly if the patient is aware and takes good care of his/her teeth and the treating doctor possesses fine clinical skills and works with the latest technology and uses high-grade biomaterials.