Root Canal Treatment: Procedure, Pain, Cost & FAQs

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal treatment is a medical method opted by the dentist to cure deep cavities, infection in the tooth nerve to preserve tooth and avoid tooth extraction.

Root Canal is also known as endodontic treatment, and it is often seen in practice when the central part of the tooth is infected due to an injury, trauma or infection.

Root canal treatment procedure

In this treatment, the dentist removes infected nerve of the tooth, situated at the root of the tooth, which is also called 'pulp' and then cleans that part before repairing and sealing it to avoid future dental issues.

Pain after root canal treatment

Thanks to advancements in the methods of anesthesia, the treatment does not involve much of a pain. However, the patient might experience a little bit of discomfort for a few days after undergoing the treatment.

Laser root canal treatment

Root Canal procedure can also be performed with FDA approved lasers. Laser treatment can also reduce the need for local anesthesia.

Root canal complications

The patient might experience a slight pain in the operated tooth during the next few days after undergoing the procedure. In a few cases, the patient may need to opt for multiple sitting root canal in case of severe chronic infection or swelling around the tooth.

How successful is root canal treatment?

The overall success ratio in root canal treatment is between 85 and 95 percent.

Here’re some frequently asked questions.

When should the patient opt for a root canal?

The individuals who experience severe pain in the decayed tooth while eating or even while drinking something cold or hot should consider opting for a checkup. The dentist will check the extent of the damage and recommend root canal treatment if it is required.
What is the average cost for root canal treatment?

The treatment cost varies, depending on the tooth and other complications. The charges for front teeth can be between $700 - $900. For molars, it can be between $900 -$1500, while a bicuspid root canal may require between $700-1000.
Who performs the root canal procedure?

There are surgical as well as non-surgical procedures involved. Dentist chooses the method depending on the tooth's damage. If the treatment requires an incision in the gum, it can be termed as a surgery.
What is an emergency root canal?

An emergency root canal is advised if the patient experiences extreme swelling, fistula, pain, and the condition of the tooth worsens quickly.
How much time does a root canal procedure take?

Depending on the type of tooth, the procedure may require anytime between an hour and two.
Is root canal better than tooth extraction?

Root canal helps in restoring the natural tooth and the person's chewing ability. On the other hand, tooth extraction results in loss of jaw support and chewing ability. Thus, removal should be the last alternative.
Does root canal cost lesser than a dental implant?

Yes, the root canal treatment costs lesser than getting a dental implant.
Does root canal last forever?

The treated tooth can last for more than one to two decades if proper care and oral hygiene are maintained. The patient might require retreatment on the root canal treated tooth if it gets infected again.
Is it possible to treat a reinfected root canal?

Yes, reinfected root canal tooth can be re-treated with the help of advanced technologies to clean it again.
Is root canal procedure safe?

American Dental Association's research proves that the procedure is safe. It is just that the dentist needs to clean the necrotic debris properly before sealing for ensuring the infection does not return.
Can patients under treatment for cancer undergo for root canal treatment?

Yes, however, the dentist might recommend additional tests and checkups for such patients before operating them.

Root Canal Treatment