Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

The outer portion or Crown of a tooth is a three-layered structure: Enamel, Dentin & Pulp.

If the tooth decay is limited to the first two layers, it can be corrected with Filling/ Restoration. However, if the tooth decay reaches the third layer and causes inflammation or infection of the pulp, an RCT or Endodontic Treatment is needed.

Root Canal Treatment, also known as Endodontic Treatment, is a procedure done when tooth decay reaches the pulp (innermost layer of the tooth), causing inflammation. It is required to save the weakened tooth from extraction. This method is done by an Endodontist who is recognized as a Root Canal Specialist. The procedure involves:

• Removal of painful or infected tooth material
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Filling and sealing with an inert material
• Restoration and crown/cap

It is a multi-step method and may entail multiple sittings.

WHY DOES ONE NEED TO UNDERGO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Root Canal Treatment is achieved on a contaminated or infected tooth. The disease could be due to a cracked or broken tooth, extensive decay, gum disease, or maybe due to returned dental treatment on a singular tooth. It becomes extremely important to get the Root Canal Treatment as:

• It stops the infection from spreading and will then save the tooth from extraction
• RCT relieves the pain caused due to inflammation

 

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT GETTING A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

 

• If the discomfort you feel goes away, then it does not mean that your tooth had healed with time, but this symbolizes that the nervures inside the tooth are all dead, and the infection has grown manifolds.
• The bacteria from the infection can access the gum and jaw tissues, creating a pus-filled abscess. This can even lead to serious conditions like heart disease and stroke.

 

What does it cost?

The value of dental treatment varies extensively, but protecting the tooth with a root canal is comparatively cost-efficient.

The other alternative is extraction, and the value of an implant or bridge to restore the tooth afterward is usually more expensive. However, extraction can also lead to malocclusion or misaligned teeth and difficulty chewing.

The cost varies depending on how stubborn the difficulty is and which tooth is affected. Cost is based on the number of canals, degree of difficulty, and place of the tooth in the mouth; for example, front teeth are more comfortable to handle than back teeth. Root canal treatment is regularly covered by dental coverage, depending on your coverage. If it isn't, your dentist may also propose you a payment plan.