What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat issues within the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When this area becomes infected or damaged, a root canal becomes necessary to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and preserve the tooth.
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How do you know if you need a Root Canal?
While there is no fixed test that discerns whether you need a root canal or not, there are several signs you can watch out for. These symptoms can indicate that you might need to go in for a root canal, or at least a professional check-up in the very least.
Signs like persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperature, swelling or tenderness in the gums, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or darkening of the tooth. Keep an eye out for any of these symptoms. If you experience any of these, then it is advisable that you in the very least go for a check up. If post your check up, the dentist notices any damage, fracture, decay or infection, then they might advise you to go for a Root Canal.
Is Root Canal Painful during or after the procedure?
Contrary to Popular belief, a RCT treatment can be done almost completely painlessly. The advancements in modern dental technology along with the use of anesthesia have ensured that most patients face very little discomfort and pain during a root canal treatment. The dentist or expert administrating the anesthesia makes sure that the operating area is numb, to minimize pain. Additionally, advancement in instruments and tools have made the root canal procedure faster and almost painless.
After the procedure, at times, one might experience some mild pain or sensitivity, but that goes away after a short span of time and can also be treated with painkillers.
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Does it hurt during a Root Canal Procedure?
One of the most common concerns about root canal treatment is whether it is painful. The truth is, modern root canal procedures are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring that you won't feel any pain during the treatment. Additionally, advancements in dental techniques and technology have made root canal procedures faster and more efficient, minimizing discomfort for the patient. While you may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity after the procedure, over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort.
Pre Treatment Procedure, before a Root Canal
Consultation: Schedule a consultation with your dentist or endodontist to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. They will evaluate your tooth's condition and determine if root canal treatment is necessary.
Preparing for the Procedure: Before the root canal procedure, your dentist may take X-rays of the affected tooth to assess the extent of the damage. They'll also explain what to expect during the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Medication: If you're anxious about the procedure, your dentist may prescribe medication to help you relax before the appointment.
Inform Your Dentist: Be sure to inform your dentist about any medications you're taking, allergies you have, or any underlying medical conditions you're dealing with.
How much time does a Root Canal Procedure take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on factors such as the location and complexity of the affected tooth, as well as the extent of the infection or damage. In general, a typical root canal treatment can be completed in one to two visits to the dentist, with each visit lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. During the procedure, the dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canal system, and seal it to prevent further infection. While some cases may require additional appointments for follow-up treatment or restoration, most patients can expect to have their root canal completed within a reasonable timeframe.
How many visits does a Root Canal take?
The number of visits required for a root canal treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the patient's individual needs. While some straightforward root canal procedures can be completed in a single visit to the dentist, others may require multiple visits to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the healing progress and restore the tooth with a filling or crown. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and provide you with a treatment plan tailored to your needs, including the estimated number of visits required to complete the root canal treatment successfully.
How long does it take to recover from a Root Canal?
It is difficult to declare an exact recovery duration for a Root Canal procedure, as it varies from patient to patient and case to case. But one can usually expect to resume normal activities immediately after the treatment. One could experience some mild sensitivity or pain for a few hours/days depending on the case, but it can be taken care of with over the counter painkillers. It is also important to go for post-op follow up check ups and follow the instructions provided by your endodontist, be it avoiding hard or crunchy foods, practicing good oral hygiene, flossing etc.
What is Post-Treatment Care after a Root Canal Procedure?
Follow Instructions: Your dentist will provide you with post-treatment instructions to ensure proper healing. Follow these instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications.
Pain Management: It's normal to experience some discomfort after a root canal procedure. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to manage pain and swelling.
Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth: To prevent damaging the temporary or permanent filling, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is in place.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly to maintain oral hygiene. Your dentist may recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding hard or sticky foods temporarily.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring healing and ensuring the success of the root canal treatment. Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments as recommended by your dentist. IDDA dentists ensure that any treatment does not just end after the procedure is done, but rather it ends once the entire follow up and post op care is done the right way, for each patient.
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What happens if I avoid getting a Root Canal?
Ignoring the need for a root canal treatment can have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or trauma, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and bone, leading to severe pain, swelling, and even abscess formation. Without prompt treatment, the infection can continue to progress, causing further damage to the tooth and potentially requiring extraction. By undergoing root canal treatment, you can save your tooth from extraction and preserve your natural smile. Additionally, addressing the underlying infection can help alleviate pain and discomfort, restore oral function, and prevent more extensive dental problems down the line.
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Is there any Medical Insurance for Root Canal Treatment?
In India, Dental coverage is not mandated, so it is not commonly available in most health plans.
Yes, some dental plans exist which can cover your Root Canal treatment, but alot of them are selective to accidental damages or require alot of pre registration and paper work.
So make sure you are well informed and pre prepared about what your health plan covers.
Alternatively, one can also check out IDDA’s Partial Reimbursement subscription plan which ensures hassle free cashback on all your treatments, no questions asked.
How much does a Root Canal cost?
The cost of a Root Canal depends on various factors like Country, City, Condition of the tooth, experience of the doctor etc. Treatment for anterior, or front teeth happens to be generally less complicated and less expensive than treatment for a large molar.
But we can look at the ranges of cost of root canal in mumbai. The cost of root canal near you in mumbai differs from Clinic to Clinic.
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The range for cost of Root Canal in Powai, Mumbai is between Rs.4000 to Rs.12000
The range for cost of Root Canal in Bandra, Mumbai is between Rs.7000 to Rs.16000
The range for cost of Root Canal in Andheri, Mumbai is between Rs.6000 to Rs.12000
The range for cost of Root Canal in Borivali, Mumbai is between Rs.4000 to Rs.8000
Apart from that, dental caps or crowns are also essential to make sure the operated tooth does not face further damage. The costs for a dental cap/crown vary based on the material of choice for it.
1. A basic metal crown (Completely metal based and metal colour) costs between Rs.1000 to Rs.5000.
2. A PFM (porcelain based, tooth coloured with metal base & insides) crown costs between Rs.4000 to Rs.10000.
3. While a Zirconia crown (completely ceramic, tooth coloured) costs between Rs.8000 to Rs.20,000.
Hence the cost of a Root Canal in Mumbai is dependent on alot of factors, so it varies from clinic to clinic and location to location.
This is where IDDA steps in to ease your hassle and save your time.
With IDDA’s trusted online portal, you can now look for top trusted dentists in your preferred area, with one simple search. IDDA gives you a range of experienced dentists with relevant information about each of them, be it their degree, their overall experience, their specialized treatments and their area of operations, all in one place.
On top of that, you can avail a partial reimbursement on each of your treatments, which is a plan provided solely by IDDA.
What is a Partial Reimbursement?
IDDA has come up for the first time in India with a Partial Reimbursement plan for all Dental and Derma treatments in India.
Since most plans in India do not cover dental and derma insurance, especially not all treatments, we realised that this is one of the hurdles patients face before getting these treatments.
Hence, we have come up with the partial reimbursement plan where starting at a one time subscription fee of just Rs.40/Month, any patient can claim upto Rs.60,000 back in the entire year, on any consultations or treatments they undergo.
The partial reimbursement plan is a one time subscription plan aimed at increasing awareness around Oral and Skin health, to benefit the patient. Here anyone can get upto 50% cashback on their treatments, from the doctors at IDDA.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is designed to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to severe infection or decay. By removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent recontamination, endodontic treatment removes the source of infection and allows the tooth to be preserved. Once the root canal procedure is complete, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to provide strength and protection. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, functional smile for years to come.
In conclusion, root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure for saving a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. While some may fear the treatment, it is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling, and modern advancements have made the process faster and more efficient than ever before. By addressing the need for a root canal promptly and following your dentist's recommendations, you can protect your oral health and preserve your natural smile for years to come.
