Root Canal Treatment Explained: A Start-to-Finish Guide

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a widely popular dental procedure. Also known as endodontic treatment, this process aims to treat tooth infections.

In this process, the dentist removes the nerves in the tooth’s pulp. As a result, the expert can clean and fill the inside of your tooth to prevent further damage.

This basic explanation of RCT can seem straightforward at first glance. Still, there are various aspects involved in root canal treatment. As a patient, awareness of RCT of teeth can prove useful before undergoing the treatment.

Read on to learn more about one of the most popular treatments for the tooth.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Do you know the obvious signs of considering a root canal treatment? If you don’t, here are the warning messages you should consider.

Extreme Pain in the Mouth

An infected tooth can give rise to frequent episodes of severe pain. This type of discomfort can hit you spontaneously. As a result, the pain becomes unbearable in certain positions.

Most commonly, you may notice pressure on your tooth and face while bending. In another case, this pain can become severe when you lay down. These signs can prompt the requirement to search for a clinic specialising in root canal treatments.

Bumps on Your Gum

Dental Fistula is a condition in which bacteria can infect your tooth or gum surface. This infection leads to a pathway for draining the infected puss.

You might even notice bumps that look like pimples. If you observe this condition, it might be the best time to find a dentist who is an expert in performing root canals.

Inflamed or Swollen Gums

An infection in the tooth can result in swollen gums. This swelling type is different from the occasional inflammation after brushing forcefully.

In such a case, you will feel discomfort after touching the gums. So, you should consider the procedure for treating this infection.

Dark Gums

Inflamed or infected gums can turn darker in appearance. This is a sign of gum decay and an indication of considering an endodontic treatment.

So, if you should observe any abnormal discolouration do take a prompt decision. Remember, the infected pulp is dangerous and can lead to the quick spread of the infection.

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) Procedure

Before familiarising yourself with the root canal treatment, it is vital to know some basics. Here are some terms that you should become aware of before visiting your dentist:

  • A root canal is a part of your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and cells (known as the pulp)

  • The tooth comprises the crown and roots

  • The crown of your tooth is the upper portion above the gums, visible to the eyes

  • RCT of a tooth rectifies infection that occurs inside the pulp

Now that you know the basic info about the tooth, here are the steps of a root canal treatment.

Physical Examination of the Tooth

The procedure of RCT begins with your dentist evaluating the extent of the infection. First, the expert will conduct a physical examination of your mouth’s interior.

Next, a dental X-ray imaging will confirm the extent of infection in the tooth. The dentist can even ask common questions like your sensitivity to hot or cold foods during this process.

Root Canal Cleaning

Depending on the patient and the condition of the infected pulp, the dentist administers local anaesthesia. This step is to ensure your comfort during the procedure of root canal.

Next, the dentist places a thin sheet to isolate the tooth from the adjacent area. After the isolation, the professional creates a small access hole on the tooth’s surface. Consequently, the dentist cleans the pulp chamber with special dentistry tools.

Root Canal Filling

A vital step in root canal treatment is filling the tooth with biocompatible material. The tooth is filled using adhesive cement for perfect sealing of the infected area.

You can rest assured of the rubber-like material as it is non-hazardous and works as an excellent filler. After this stage, the tooth is practically dead.

Addition of Dental Crown

What is the condition of the pulp inside the infected tooth? In simple terms, it is non-existent. The dentist removes infected nerves during RCT of teeth, thereby replacing the pulp.

So, the only source of nourishment for the teeth is the adjacent ligaments. However, the pulp removal tends to make the tooth more brittle. A dentist places a crown a few days after this treatment to strengthen the tooth.

Until the next appointment, do not bite any hard foods using the processed tooth.

Things to Know Before Opting For a Root Canal

The infection is removed and replaced with a filler material in a root canal treatment. So, your tooth becomes practically inactive.

As a patient, this basic knowledge is adequate to get acquainted with the post RCT effects. Still, you should also be aware of some crucial points to ensure that you are well-equipped when you walk into your dental clinic.

The Treatment is Not Always Painful

Compared to other dental procedures, root canal treatment is painful. So, experienced dentists assess the comfort level of their patients.

In most cases, these reliable dentists administer local anaesthesia. Usually, RCT from expert dental practitioners is relatively painless. So, your choice of dentist plays a considerable role in minimising the extent of your pain.

The Need for Dental Crowns is Necessary

Dentists will place a titanium implant on the tooth before fitting a dental crown. This process will be an integral part of the final RCT treatment and is necessary for saving the teeth.

So, you should always be prepared for another appointment. Your dentist will place a temporary filler before attaching the dental crown.

The Process is Better Than Tooth Removal

In reality, the root canal is a pain-relieving dental procedure. You can visit any reliable clinic that uses modern equipment. At such clinics, you will experience less pain when compared to tooth extraction.

Consider RCT of teeth to be a perfect solution for avoiding tooth removal. Saving your natural tooth is always more favourable than total removal. So, you should visit your dentist at the earliest.

Typical Cost of RCT

The root canal treatment cost in a country like India is subjective. The cost varies depending on the following factors:

  • Expertise of dentist

  • Use of modern technology

  • The extent of the tooth infection

  • Timing of treatment

  • City

Despite these variations, you can expect the RCT cost to anywhere between INR 5000 to INR 20,000 range. Also, the root canal treatment in Gurgaon can have a variable price range.

So, your choice of a root canal expert will influence the final cost. Remember to prioritise the expertise and facilities of a dental clinic before browsing RCT cost in Gurgaon.

Know the best Root canal treatment cost in Gurgaon now!

Wrapping Up

You need to identify the signs of infection to get timely root canal treatment. Observe your gums, severe tooth pain, darkening, and unwanted inflammation. These are clear indications of considering a root canal treatment.

Due to advancements in modern dentistry, a root canal is no longer an excruciating procedure. This treatment takes place in three steps and can save a tooth from extraction.

Always remember to prioritise comfort over cost while choosing a root canal treatment. After all, the best dentists near you will make sufficient efforts to minimise the pain during RCT.