Root Canal Treatment in Mumbai

Overview of Root Canal Treatment

Welcome to Signature Smiles, where your oral health is our top priority. Our expert team understands the significance of a healthy smile, and our dental root canal treatments are designed to lower pain and restore your teeth to optimal function. With advanced techniques and a commitment to patient comfort, we ensure a seamless experience. We work towards preserving your natural teeth and promoting lasting oral wellness. Trust Signature Smiles for comprehensive and compassionate root canal care, bringing comfort and confidence back to your smile.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed to treat a severely decayed or damaged tooth. The intention is to save the tooth.

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat and save a severely damaged or infected tooth. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay or trauma, a root canal is performed. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection. This helps alleviate root canal pain, save the natural tooth, and restore its function, contributing to the long-term oral health and wellness of the patient.

When is a Root Canal Treatment needed?

Root canal treatment is recommended when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged. The pulp, located in the innermost part of the tooth, consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Various circumstances can lead to the need for a root canal procedure. One common scenario is the presence of deep cavities that extend into the pulp. When a cavity reaches this depth, it allows bacteria to infiltrate the pulp, causing infection and inflammation.

Additionally, teeth that undergo multiple dental procedures, such as fillings or crowns, may eventually require a root canal if the pulp becomes weak during these treatments. Physical trauma to a tooth, such as a crack or fracture, is another situation that can require a root canal. Trauma exposes the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection and the need for treatment. Moreover, untreated dental infections can spread from the pulp to the surrounding tissues and bones. This highlights the importance of treating the infected root canal before it is too late.

Why You May Need a Root Canal?

It is important to recognize the symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal in order to give treatment on time before it worsens.

Common root canal symptoms include:

• Persistent and Severe Toothache: The most common and well-known symptom that suggests one needs a root canal treatment is continuous and severe tooth pain. This discomfort gets worse when chewing or applying pressure to the affected tooth.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the removal of the stimulus, may suggest inflammation or infection in the pulp. This increased sensitivity can indicate the need for a root canal procedure.
• Swelling and Tenderness in Gums: Infection in the pulp can lead to swelling in the surrounding gums. The gums may become tender to the touch, indicating an inflammatory response and a possible need for a cure like root canal treatment.
• Dental Abscess: A visible pimple-like bump on the gums, known as a dental abscess, is a clear sign of infection. This localized collection of pus often requires a root canal to address the underlying issue and prevent it from worsening.
• Discolouration of the Tooth: Changes in the colour of a tooth, particularly a darkening or greying, can indicate pulp infection or death. A root canal treatment will be required to treat the main cause of this discolouration.
• Lasting Pain After Dental Procedures: Pain that persists after dental procedures, such as root canal fillings or crowns, may signal complications involving the pulp. If the discomfort continues, a root canal might be necessary to address any underlying issues.
• Swelling of the Face or Jaw: If infection in the pulp is in the advanced stages, it can lead to swelling of the face or jaw. This is a more serious symptom that requires immediate attention, and a root canal may be essential to eliminate the source of the infection.
• Localized Pain While Biting or Touching the Tooth: Pain that is specifically localized to the affected tooth when biting or touching it may indicate issues with the pulp. The only way to treat this key symptom is a root canal procedure.
• Radiating Pain to Ear or Jaw: Sometimes, pain from an infected or damaged tooth pulp may radiate to the ear or jaw. This widespread discomfort may require a root canal to address the source of the pain and prevent further complications.

Root Canal Process:

• Getting Started on Root Canal Treatment :
  The initial step in a root canal involves a detailed examination by the dentist. X-rays are taken to assess the extent of the infection and determine the shape of the root canals. After administering local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort, a rubber dam, a type of protective cover, is placed around the affected tooth to keep the area dry and free of saliva during the procedure.
• Clearing up Root Canal Infection:
  With the tooth free from saliva and the patient comfortably numb, the dentist drills a small access hole in the crown to reach the infected pulp chamber. Specialized instruments are then used to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue. The root canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria. This crucial step aims to clear the infection and prevent its spread to surrounding tissues.
• Filling the Root Canals:
  Once the root canals are thoroughly cleaned, they are filled with gutta-percha. This material is safe and non-toxic for the oral cavity and body. This material seals the canals, preventing the entry of bacteria and reducing the risk of future infections. The access hole in the crown is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In some cases, a screw-like structure, called a post, may be inserted into the root canals for added support if the tooth structure is compromised.
• Final Stage of a Root Canal:
  The final stage involves restoring the tooth so that it functions and looks like a natural tooth. This may include the placement of a permanent crown to protect the treated tooth and restore its natural shape. The crown is customized to match the colour and contour of your existing teeth. With the root canal procedure complete, you can enjoy a pain-free and fully restored tooth, preserving your natural smile and oral health. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the tooth is successfully treated.

Risks of Root Canal Treatment

• Incomplete Removal of Infection: In some cases, it can be difficult to completely remove all the infection from the root canals. This can cause the infection to recur.
• Delayed Restoration: Failing to place a permanent restoration, such as a crown, in a timely manner after the procedure can leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage.
• Post-Treatment Discomfort: While discomfort is typically minimal, some patients may experience post-treatment pain or sensitivity. This is usually managed with over-the-counter medications.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Pain Relief: Root canal treatment effectively reduces the severe pain associated with infected or damaged pulp, providing immediate pain relief.
• Preservation of Natural Tooth: Instead of extracting the tooth, a root canal treatment allows for the preservation of the natural tooth, maintaining oral function and aesthetics.
• Prevention of Infection Spread: By removing the infected pulp and sealing the root canals, the procedure prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of more serious health issues.
• Functional Restoration: With the placement of a crown or other restoration, the treated tooth can fully regain its functionality, allowing for normal chewing and biting.
• Cosmetic Improvement: The restoration placed after a root canal, such as a crown, is designed to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
• Long-Term Oral Health: Root canal treatment, when successful, contributes to long-term oral health by preserving the natural tooth and preventing the need for extraction.

When to Call the Doctor

Knowing when to call the doctor after a root canal is needed to ensure your treated tooth is healing well and to address any potential issues. Here are situations in which you should contact your dentist promptly:

• Persistent or Increasing Pain: While some discomfort is normal after a root canal, persistent or increasing pain that is not lowered by over-the-counter pain medications may signal a problem. Contact your dentist if the pain persists or intensifies over time.
• Swelling: If you experience significant swelling in the face, jaw, or around the treated tooth, it could indicate an infection or another complication. Your dentist should look at the swelling immediately.
• Signs of Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, or discharge around the treated tooth or gums, contact your dentist immediately. These symptoms may indicate a postoperative infection that requires attention.
• Allergic Reactions: If you develop an allergic reaction to any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, seek medical attention promptly. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Persistent Numbness or Tingling: If you experience persistent numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or other areas of the mouth after the numbness from the anaesthesia has worn off, contact your dentist. This could be a sign of nerve-related issues.
• Complications with the Temporary Filling or Crown: If the temporary root canal filling or crown placed after the root canal becomes loose, dislodged, or damaged, contact your dentist. This can expose the treated tooth to bacteria and compromise the success of the procedure.
• High or Prolonged Fever: If you develop a high or prolonged fever following the root canal, it could be a sign of a systemic infection. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience fever accompanied by other concerning root canal symptoms.

Cost of Root Canal Treatment

The cost of undergoing Root Canal surgery varies depending on the tooth’s location, the complexity of the procedure, and the severity of damage and infection. Front teeth like incisors and canines typically have a single root canal, making their treatment more simple and less costly. On the other hand, molars and some premolars have multiple root canals, which may be curved and challenging to access, requiring more extensive effort and thus resulting in a higher treatment cost.

Most dental clinics in Mumbai, India offer an affordable range starting from around INR 8000 for a complete root canal procedure with filling; the price of high-quality esthetic crowns starts from INR 10,000 onwards.

Flexible payment options can be availed by speaking to the dentist at your nearest Signature Smiles Clinic.