Your Guide to Understanding Root Canal Treatment Costs

Root canal treatment is a standard dental procedure that helps save badly decayed or infected teeth. It’s essential to preserve your dental health and avoid future problems. The cost of a root canal treatment has been one of the most common questions. In this blog, let us examine the main features of root canal treatment that affect its cost in India and other countries.

 Why is a Root Canal Treatment Required?

When a tooth is severely decayed or infected, root canal treatment helps to save it. Failing to address this issue at an early stage can lead to tooth extraction. Tooth extracted can lead to costly restorations. Root canal treatment provides pain relief and stops the spread of infection by removing infected or inflamed pulp. After removing the pulp from the infected tooth, your dentist will cover your tooth with a dental filling or a crown. It helps to prevent the spread of infection and enables regular biting and chewing. A root canal plays a vital role in reviving the look and function of the teeth. In this way, it saves the natural tooth and preserves oral health.

 Why is it essential to Treat Dental Cavities Early?

There are various reasons why treating dental cavities as soon as possible is crucial:  

  1) To Prevent Infection:

Bacteria are present in the dental cavity and can travel, infect, and inflame the internal parts of the tooth. Hence, treating the infection immediately is essential to control and prevent further issues. 

  2) To Maintain Tooth Structure:

If cavities are treated early, it helps to maintain the structure of the teeth and prevent it from chipping or cracking. This restores the appearance of the teeth and reduces the need for further treatments like root canals.

  3) To Reduce Pain:

A cavity can cause pain and affect your daily life. It can interfere with everyday activities and hamper overall quality of life. A root canal treatment provides relief from pain and discomfort.

  4) To Save Cost:

Early detection and treatment of the cavity can save you from tooth loss and additional costs like root canals in the long run. If a cavity is treated on time before it grows deeper, it can help you save extra treatment costs. 

 What are the Steps Involved in a Root Canal Treatment?

Let us examine the steps that are involved in the root canal treatment:  

  1) Examination:

The first step starts with an examination. Your dentist will examine the tooth and determine the extent of damage based on your X-rays. They will then decide whether your case requires a root canal or not. If the decay reaches the pulp, a root canal is initiated. The dentist will ensure the treatment helps you save your tooth with a root canal. 

  2) Local Anesthesia:

Once the course of treatment is decided, your dentist prepares your tooth for root canal therapy. They will give you local anaesthesia to ensure you have a pain-free experience, as it numbs the area before the treatment. It also ensures that you are comfortable during the procedure. 

  3) Getting to the Pulp:

The dentist makes a tiny hole in the tooth’s crown to reach the diseased or damaged pulp. This access is critical to remove the infected pulp effectively and restore the tooth’s health. 

  4) Cleaning and Shaping:

After making the access hole, the nerve of the tooth is removed, and the root canals in the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and given a shape to receive a filling material. This cleaning and shaping process is essential to ensure the tooth is free from infection. 

  5) Getting to the Pulp:

The dentist makes a tiny hole in the crown of the tooth to reach the affected area of damaged or infected pulp. This helps to remove the infected pulp and restore the tooth. 

  6) Cleaning and Shaping:

After making the access hole, the nerve of the tooth is removed, and the root canals in the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. The tooth area is given a shape to receive a filling material. The cleaning and shaping process helps to make the tooth infection-free.

  7) Filling the Canals:

The dentist further fills the canals with a substance known as gutta-percha. It helps to close the canals and prevents the spread of infection. This step ensures the tooth remains healthy in the long run. 

  8) Sealing the Tooth:

After the canal is filled, a temporary or permanent filling is done to close the opening. Later, a dental crown is fixed over the root canal-treated tooth. It supports and protects the tooth against fracture and breakage. This improves the function of your tooth.

 What Affects the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?

The various factors that affect the cost of root canal treatment are as follows: 

  Location of the tooth:

The location of the tooth affects the cost because the back teeth may have more roots than the front teeth and are more challenging to repair. Teeth at the back of the mouth may require more work. Front teeth might need a simple and minor procedure. Hence, the cost for the front and back teeth might differ. The front teeth may cost less as compared to the back teeth. 

  Extent of Infection:

The cost of root canal procedure depends on the degree of damage or infection. Severe infection can call for a complex procedure and affect the root canal treatment cost. It can require additional time and resources, and that contributes to the increase in the overall cost. 

  Dentist’s Expertise:

The treatment cost might vary according to the expertise and practice experience of the dentist. Experienced dentists may charge extra due to their skill and reputation. It’s essential to choose a skilled professional for the best outcome.

  Clinic location:

The prices for dental treatment differ by locality, city, state, and nation. For instance, root canal treatment expenses in India could be different from those in other countries. Root canal treatment costs less in rural areas as compared to developed cities. Consider the regional cost variations when planning your dental care.

  Additional Treatment:

Mostly, a root canal treated tooth requires a crown or a cap. It is needed to safeguard and protect your tooth. A dental crown enhances the cost of the treatment. It is advisable to discuss the additional treatment and the overall cost.

 Summary

A root canal is needed to maintain your oral health. Root canal treatment could be expensive, but it saves your tooth, and the investment is worth the cost. A root canal treatment would cost you around 5500/- rupees and can go up to 25,000/- depending upon your case. The treatment cost also depends on the type of crown selected to restore your tooth. You can do proper research and weigh all the options to make an informed decision. This can help you get the proper treatment that is affordable and within your budget. The key is to put your smile first; hence, make an appointment at Signature Smiles Clinic for your dental procedure. Here, you can avail yourself best quality root canal treatment, which is performed by experts at an affordable price.  

You can also check for insurance coverage with your private health insurance provider in your country. It might fully or partially cover root canal treatment and other dental care procedures. Signature Smiles is beneficial for your oral health and financial well-being as it can save you money in the long run. It’s a choice that enhances both your health and financial well-being.