Endodontic therapy, or root canal treatment, is the dental treatment that removes an infection from inside a tooth. This treatment can also protect the tooth from future infections. If bacteria find a way to enter the pulp of a tooth and cause infection, root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth. During this, the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is sealed to prevent re-infection.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to relieve pain caused by an infected pulp or abscessed tooth. The pulp nourishes the tooth and provides moisture to the surrounding material. The nerves in the pulp sense hot and cold temperatures as pain. During the treatment, your inflamed pulp is removed. The surfaces inside the tooth are then cleaned and disinfected, and a filling is placed to seal the space.
How to know if you need a root canal?
If a tooth pulp is inflamed or infected, you need to have endodontic treatment. Deep decay repeated dental procedures on a tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth can cause this inflammation or infection. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs you need a root canal include:
Constant toothache: Many dental problems can cause tooth pain. If you are experiencing constant pain deep in your tooth, you may need root canal therapy.
Sensitivity to heat and cold: If your tooth hurts when you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream, it could mean that you need root canal treatment.
Swollen gums: When a tooth is infected, pus can collect in the area.
Pimple on the gums: You may develop a pimple or boil on the gums.
Swollen jaw: Sometimes pus doesn’t drain from the site & your jaw may become visibly swollen.
Tooth discoloration: When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it can cause your tooth to look darker.
Pain when pressure is applied: If you have pain when you eat or touch your tooth, it could mean the nerves around the pulp are damaged.
A chipped or cracked tooth: If you’ve cracked a tooth in an accident, bacteria can reach into the tooth pulp.
Root canal treatment steps
Your dentist will take X-rays of the affected tooth, to help determine the extent of damage and ensure the root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment option. A root canal procedure includes these steps:
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be given to patients to numb the infected tooth and the surrounding gums.
Dental dam placement: Before beginning root canal treatment, a small rubber dam is placed over the area. This isolates the tooth and keeps it dry during the procedure.
Access hole: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp.
Pulp removal: Tiny dental instruments are used to remove the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues inside the tooth.
Shaping the canals: Once the pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
Filling the canals: The empty canals are then filled with a flexible, rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.
Sealing the tooth: Then a temporary dental filling is placed to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from re-entering.
Placing the final restoration: In some cases, dental crowns are needed to protect the treated tooth and restore your bite. It will take around 2-3 weeks for your crown to be ready. Then your dentist will replace your temporary filling with a permanent crown.
Root canal treatment recovery
Following root canal treatment patients should avoid biting on hard food. After your final treatment, your restored tooth should no longer be painful, although it may feel sore for a few days. Patients should follow these:
Keeping their teeth clean
Not eating too much sugary food
Giving up smoking if they smoke
A root canal treatment recovery will take less than a week. Patients may experience some mild discomfort in the days following treatment. If you have severe pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week, call your healthcare provider.
How much does a Root Canal cost?
The cost of root canal treatment in Iran varies depending on several factors, such as the location and reputation of the clinic, the experience and qualification of the dentist, the type and number of teeth involved, the complexity of the case, and the materials and equipment used. In general, root canal treatment in Iran is much more affordable than in many other countries.
The average cost of root canal treatment in Iran ranges from around 110-350 USD per tooth, depending on the tooth type. For example, a root canal treatment for a front tooth may cost around $110, while a root canal treatment for a molar may cost around $350.
One of the reasons why root canal treatment in Iran is so affordable is that the country has a large number of qualified and experienced dentists who offer high-quality services at competitive prices. Iran also has modern and well-equipped dental clinics that use the latest technology and techniques for root canal treatment. Moreover, Iran is a popular destination for medical tourism, attracting many patients from neighboring countries and beyond who seek affordable and effective dental care.
In conclusion, root canal treatment in Iran is a viable option for anyone who needs to save their tooth from infection or damage. The cost of root canal treatment in Iran is significantly lower than in many other countries, while the quality and safety of the service are comparable or even superior. Therefore, root canal treatment in Iran can be a wise and beneficial choice for both the health and the budget of the patients.
Root Canal Risks & Benefits
Just like any medical procedure, root canal treatment also has some risks and benefits that should be weighed before deciding to undergo it. Some of the benefits of root canal treatment are:
It can save your natural tooth and avoid the need for extraction or replacement with an artificial tooth, which can be costlier and complicated.
It can eliminate the infection and inflammation that can spread to other parts of your mouth or body, causing serious health problems.
It can improve your oral health and hygiene, as well as your quality of life, by reducing pain, discomfort, and sensitivity.
It can enhance your smile and self-confidence, as your tooth will look and feel normal again.
Some of the risks of root canal treatment are:
It may not be successful in some cases, and the tooth may still need to be extracted or retreated later.
It may cause some complications, such as bleeding, swelling, infection, or nerve damage, which may require additional treatment or medication.
It may weaken your tooth structure and make it more prone to fractures or breakages, especially if you do not get a dental crown or post to reinforce it.
It may darken your tooth color over time, due to the remaining dental pulp or the medications used during the procedure.
Therefore, root canal treatment is a beneficial option for many people who have an infected or damaged tooth, but it also has some potential drawbacks that should be considered. You should consult with your dentist or endodontist to determine if root canal treatment is suitable for you, and to learn more about the procedure, the recovery, and the aftercare.
Conclusion
A root canal is a dental procedure that aims to save a tooth that has been infected or damaged by removing the pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling and sealing them with a material called gutta-percha. A root canal can prevent tooth loss, relieve pain, and restore the function and appearance of the tooth. However, a root canal also has some risks and benefits that should be weighed before deciding to undergo it. A root canal is a common and effective treatment that can save millions of teeth each year and improve the quality of life of patients.