Dental Root Canal Treatment in Bengaluru
Dental root canal treatment (RCT), also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure designed to save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed.
It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it.
In Bengaluru, where various factors can contribute to dental issues, understanding the importance and benefits of RCT is crucial for maintaining oral health.
Why Dental Root Canal Treatment Is Essential in Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s environment presents unique challenges that can lead to dental problems requiring RCT:
- Dietary Habits: The high consumption of sugary foods and beverages can lead to tooth decay and infection.
- Water Quality: Concerns about water quality may affect tooth enamel, increasing susceptibility to decay and the need for RCT.
- Stressful Lifestyle: A fast-paced lifestyle can result in poor oral hygiene practices, increasing the risk of tooth decay and infections.
- Access to Dental Care: While Bengaluru has many dental clinics, awareness about preventive dental care may be lacking among some residents, leading to more advanced dental problems requiring RCT.
Given these factors, many residents in Bengaluru require RCT to relieve pain, save their natural teeth, and prevent further complications.
Signs You Need an RCT & How It Can Save Your Tooth
RCT can effectively address several dental issues:
- Tooth Pain and Sensitivity: RCT eliminates the source of pain caused by inflammation or infection in the tooth pulp.
- Infections and Abscess Formation: By removing infected pulp and disinfecting the canals, RCT stops the spread of infection to surrounding bone and tissues.
- Discomfort While Chewing: Decayed teeth can cause discomfort while chewing, impacting the ability to eat properly, which RCT can resolve.
- Foul-Smelling Breath: Accumulation of bacteria in decayed teeth leads to foul-smelling breath, which can be addressed through RCT.
- Weakened Tooth Structure: Advanced decay can weaken the tooth structure, leading to fractures or complete tooth loss, which RCT helps prevent.
- Gum Problems: Decay near the gumline can contribute to gingivitis or periodontitis, causing swollen, bleeding gums and further tooth loss, which RCT aims to avoid.
- Sensitivity from Crown and Bridge Procedures: RCT can treat tooth sensitivity caused by crown and bridge procedures.
- Bone Loss Prevention: RCT for root stumps allows for overdentures, preventing bone loss.
RCT vs. Extraction: Why Saving Your Tooth Matters
- Pain Relief: RCT eliminates the source of pain caused by inflammation or infection, providing immediate relief.
- Prevents Infection Spread: By removing infected pulp, RCT stops the spread of infection to surrounding bone and tissues.
- Saves the Natural Tooth: A root canal preserves the structure of the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction.
- Restores Normal Function: Once restored with a crown, the treated tooth can function like a normal tooth, allowing the patient to chew without difficulty.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Retaining the natural tooth prevents bone loss, which often occurs after tooth extraction.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to extraction and tooth replacement options, a root canal is a more affordable long-term solution for saving a tooth.
- Eliminates Tooth Sensitivity: RCT can eliminate tooth sensitivity caused by damaged or infected pulp.
- Reduces Swelling: Eliminates tooth pus and swelling due to decay.
- Enables Internal Bleaching: Internal bleaching can be done after RCT for a discolored tooth.
- Treats Intentional Issues: Intentional RCT can be performed for sensitive teeth and for crown and bridge procedures.
Dental Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Dental root canal treatment (RCT) is a multi-step procedure designed to treat infection or damage to the pulp of a tooth. The procedure typically involves several appointments, each focusing on specific tasks to ensure the tooth is effectively treated and restored.
1st Consultation
- Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s dental condition.
- Take a detailed medical history to identify any underlying health issues.
- Perform an X-ray to evaluate the extent of damage and determine the necessity of root canal treatment (RCT).
- Obtain medical consent if the patient has relevant medical history.
- Administer pre-medication if required to prepare for upcoming procedures.
2nd Appointment
- Schedule the second appointment within five days of the initial consultation.
- Create an access opening in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
- Clean and shape the tooth canals using specialized instruments to remove infected pulp tissue.
- Perform obturation with Gutta Percha, a biocompatible material, to seal the canals and prevent re-infection.
- Place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until the next appointment.
3rd Appointment
- Schedule this appointment approximately three days after the second visit.
- If no pain or discomfort is present, place a permanent filling during this visit.
- Prepare for crown placement by packing a retraction cord around the tooth.
- Take measurements using putty impression material or an intraoral scanner for crown fitting.
4th Appointment
- Conduct this final appointment one to three days after the third visit.
- Perform crown cementation using resin materials to securely bond the crown to the prepared tooth structure.
- Apply bonding agents and etch the tooth surface for strong adhesion.
- Correct high points on the crown with articulating paper for a natural and comfortable bite.
Equipment and Facilities
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure optimal care during RCT:
- Sterilization Area: Our clinic maintains a dedicated sterilization area equipped with autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and UV chambers. This ensures all instruments and equipment are thoroughly sanitized, preventing the transmission of infections and ensuring patient safety during every procedure.
- Comfortable Ergonomic Chair: We utilize fully automatic and digital dental chairs with fiber optic connections and built-in torque control motors. These chairs are designed to provide optimal patient comfort and allow dentists to adjust positions for enhanced access and precision during root canal treatment.
- X-ray: Our clinic features advanced digital radiography, which significantly reduces radiation dosage while providing high-resolution images. This crucial imaging technology allows for precise assessment of root canal anatomy, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Anesthesia Facilities: We provide comprehensive anesthesia facilities to ensure patients remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the entire root canal procedure. Our options include local anesthesia to numb the area and other techniques to alleviate anxiety and discomfort.
- Sterile Endodontic Instruments: Our clinic utilizes a range of sterile endodontic instruments, including endodontic files, electronic apex locators, and endodontic handpieces. These specialized tools enable precise cleaning, shaping, and measurement of root canals, ensuring effective treatment outcomes.
- Irrigation Equipment: We employ advanced irrigation equipment such as syringes, needles, and ultrasonic activators to thoroughly disinfect and clean the root canal system. This process removes debris and bacteria, promoting a sterile environment for filling and sealing.
- Filling and Sealing Materials: Our clinic uses high-quality filling and sealing materials, including Gutta-Percha points and root canal sealers, to obturate the prepared root canals. These materials ensure a tight, biocompatible seal, preventing future infections and promoting long-term tooth health.
- Rotary Systems: We incorporate rotary systems with motorized handpieces to enhance the efficiency and precision of cleaning and shaping root canals. These systems, often made of nickel-titanium alloy, allow for faster and more accurate canal preparation, even in curved or complex anatomies.
What to Expect After RCT: Healing Timeline & Tips
- Pain and Sensitivity: Some pain and sensitivity are normal for a few days after RCT. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
- Soft Diet: Eating soft foods for the first few days can prevent irritation to the treated tooth.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently.
- Follow-Up: Attend follow-up appointments to ensure the tooth is healing properly.
- Crown Placement: Get a crown placed on the tooth as recommended by your dentist to protect it from fracture and reinfection.
Root Canal Failure: Causes, Symptoms & Next Steps
Root canal treatment is usually successful, but sometimes it can fail due to:
- Incomplete Cleaning: Some canals may be difficult to access, leading to residual infection.
- Missed Canals: Certain teeth have extra canals that may not have been detected during the initial treatment.
- Poor Sealing: If the filling or crown is not properly sealed, bacteria can re-enter and cause reinfection.
- Cracked Tooth: A fracture in the tooth can expose it to bacteria.
If root canal treatment fails, treatment options include:
- Root Canal Retreatment: The old filling is removed, the canals are cleaned again, and the tooth is resealed.
- Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery): The infected root tip is surgically removed and the area is sealed.
- Tooth Extraction and Implant: If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction followed by a dental implant may be the best option.
How to Keep Your Teeth Strong & Avoid RCT
Preventing the need for root canal treatment involves maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing dental issues early:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent decay.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings to detect and treat problems early.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce your consumption of sugary foods and drinks to minimize the risk of tooth decay.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay.
- Address Bruxism: If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment
The cost of root canal treatment varies based on several factors:
- Complexity of the case, such as the number of canals and any extra canals in back teeth.
- Whether the treatment is performed by a general dentist, root canal specialist or an endodontic specialist.
- The presence of calcified canals, especially in aged patients, or due to traumatic injury or chronic infection.
- The quality of materials used, including medication, disinfectant, rotary files, and filling material.
- Whether it is a single-visit or multi-visit RCT.
- Whether RCT is followed by a post and core procedure.
- Whether it is a re-RCT case, which is typically more complex.
Typically, RCT starts from ₹6,000, RCT for calcified teeth costs around ₹8,000, and re-RCT costs approximately ₹10,000.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Aiswarya
Dr. Aiswarya is a highly skilled and experienced endodontist committed to delivering pain-free and precise root canal treatments. With a gentle approach and advanced techniques, she ensures maximum patient comfort while preserving natural teeth. Her expertise lies in treating complex root canal cases, preventing infections, and restoring long-term oral health.
Consult Now
Dental root canal treatment is an essential procedure for saving infected teeth and maintaining overall oral health in Bengaluru. By understanding the benefits and steps involved, individuals can make informed decisions about their dental care. If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal, contact our expert team for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.