Root Canal Surgery Cost

Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure, that involves removing an infection from infected or inflamed pulp that is inside a tooth. 

Root canal treatment costs vary, but it is a less costly option than having a tooth removed and replacing them with an implant or a bridge. The cost of the treatment varies and is influenced by several factors. 

What is Root Canal Treatment?

A pulp is found between the enamel and the dentine of the tooth. It has nerves, blood vessels and other cells. A tooth is made up of roots and a crown. The crown is mainly above the gum, while the roots are below it. The tooth and jawbone are joined by the roots. The pulp is located inside the crown and the root, or the root canal. The pulp gives the tooth nutrients and keeps the surrounding tissue wet. Temperature is perceived as pain by the pulp's nerves. 

There are two types of root canal treatment: 

• Root canal therapy - It involves removing the infected tissue and using specialized devices to clean and shape the root canal. It is then sealed with a filling material and filled with a biocompatible substance - usually gutta-percha. 
• Laser root canal treatment - Dentists use dental lasers to remove sick tissue and clean and shape the root canal. 

Laser root canal treatment price can be higher than RCT (root canal therapy). So, always talk to the doctor about which treatment suits your condition. 

Root canal treatment is not very painful. By numbing the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia, the dental surgeon will lessen the pain associated with the treatment. Discomfort is transient, and will be sufficiently relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. 

Who Needs a Root Canal Treatment?

The pulp cannot mend itself if it becomes diseased because the tissue will die. Bacteria can get into the pulp of a tooth if there is a deep cavity, a broken tooth, or a loose filling. The pulp will finally be destroyed by the bacteria. Bacteria have the ability to infect bone if they are able to enter through root holes.

An infection will cause the bone to deteriorate and weaken. The tooth will become loose as the surrounding ligaments swell. The tooth may become sensitive to both high and low temperatures if it has pulp damage. Chewing may cause pain, and some patients have a constant, throbbing agony. If treatment is not received, the infection will spread and the tooth will eventually break loose and require extraction.
 
Some patients choose to have their teeth extracted, particularly if they are very painful or if the tooth is difficult to restore—for instance, if there is significant decay, damage, or bone loss from periodontal or gum disease. On the other hand, losing a tooth could cause the neighboring teeth to shift and crookedly align. This may give a less pleasing appearance and affect the joy of a satisfying bite. 

What is the Cost of Root Canal Treatment in India?

The cost of root canal treatment varies widely. Here’s a breakdown of cost of root canal treatment in India: 

Also, the cost involved in root canal dental treatment includes consultation fee, tests, anesthesia, etc. The cost of the treatment varies depending on several factors, which we have discussed below. 

Factors Influencing the Cost of Root Canal Treatment

Several factors contribute to the variation in root canal treatment cost in India - 

• Location - Dental treatment cost can vary from one difference from one city to another. For example, the cost of root canal treatment in Hyderabad will be different from any other state. 
• Tooth Location - The location and position of the tooth is also one of the factors on which the treatment costs depends. A root canal for a molar tooth is more expensive than for a front tooth.
• Dentist’s Expertise and Experience - The more the experience and qualification of the dentist, the higher will be the cost of root canal treatment. 
• Clinic Type - The type of clinic also impacts the treatment cost. High-end private clinics charge more than government ones. 
• Technology and Materials - The quality of materials and technology used during the procedure can influence the cost. 

Why is Root Canal Treatment Required?

Root canal treatment is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged due to bacterial infection, which causes the roots to be inflamed, allowing the bacteria to spread and cause discomfort. Here are some of the symptoms that indicate that a person needs root canal treatment - 

• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or darkening of the gums

FAQs

Q1. Is a root canal painful?

Ans. Root canal treatment is not painful, as doctors inject anesthesia before the procedure. However the area might be a little numb and sore for the next 1-2 days. 

Q2. Is root canal treatment permanent?

Ans. Root canal treatment is typically long-lasting but not always permanent. The treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care, but in some cases, reinfection, or new decay may necessitate additional treatment or extraction.

Q3. How long does root canal treatment last?

Ans. Root canal treatment can last a lifetime if properly cared for. However, its longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene, dental care habits, and the quality of the initial procedure. Regular check-ups help ensure its durability.

Q4. What is the maximum age for root canal treatment?

Ans. There is no maximum age for root canal treatment. The treatment can be performed on patients of any age, as long as the patient is healthy enough to undergo dental procedures. The decision is based on the tooth's condition and the patient's overall health, not age. Even elderly patients can benefit from root canal therapy if they seem fit by their dentist or endodontist.

Q5. Can I do filling instead of root canal?

Ans. A filling and a root canal serve different purposes- 

• A filling is used for treating cavities or minor tooth decay.
• A root canal is necessary when infection or damage reaches the tooth's pulp.

If the tooth's nerve is infected or damaged, a filling alone won't be sufficient. The dentist will determine the appropriate treatment based on the extent of tooth damage or decay. In some cases where decay is caught early, a filling might be enough. However, if the infection has progressed to the pulp, a root canal will likely be necessary to save the tooth. So, the doctor will decide the best treatment a person would need.