Around 200 B.C., archaeologists discovered a human skull in the northern Negev Israeli desert, considering it the first evidence of treatment “within a tooth.” They found a 2.5 mm bronze wire in the tooth, believed to have been used to treat infected teeth.
Since then, dental care has evolved tremendously, with root canal treatment (RCT) becoming one of the most common procedures to save a tooth from extraction. Over centuries, advancements in dental technology and techniques have made this procedure more efficient and less painful. Today, RCT is widely available across the globe, offering patients a reliable solution to preserve their natural teeth.
However, the root canal treatment cost can vary significantly depending on where you seek treatment. Factors such as the position of the tooth, the degree of infection, the number of sessions required, the kind of equipment used, the expertise of dentists, etc., all play a role in determining the price.
Structure of the Tooth
A tooth consists of two main structures:
- Crown – Top part of the tooth that’s visible in the mouth
- Root – It extends into the bone of the jaw to anchor the tooth in position
Your teeth have four main layers, including:
- Enamel – Hard outer coating
- Dentine – Softer material that supports the enamel and forms most of the tooth
- Cementum – Hard material that coats the root’s surface
- Dental pulp – Soft tissue at the center of the tooth
The root canal system runs from the top of the tooth to the tip of the root, and the dental pulp is found within it. More than one root canal may be present in a single tooth.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is also called endodontic therapy or root canal therapy. This dental procedure that is used to treat infection at the center of a tooth.
The most frequent causes of tooth damage include gum disease, dental decay brought on by plaque buildup, and cracked or fractured teeth from accidents. These problems include inflammation, infection, and irreversible damage to the pulp, which causes terrible pain. You should visit a dentist immediately if you have gum disease or a toothache. Due to its blood-vascular connections, the tooth’s pulp is the most sensitive area.
While the root canal treatment cost might seem like a significant investment, RCT is a conservative treatment option that relieves pain without removing teeth. The procedure is not painful and has the potential to preserve a tooth that would otherwise require complete removal.
How is Root Canal Procedure Done?
Depending on the tooth’s condition, the entire procedure may occur in one sitting or, at times, two or three sessions. Each sitting may last between 30 and 90 minutes. It is a simple procedure with little or no discomfort.
Before the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to the tooth that has to be treated.
Removing active decay and infection
First, the tooth and surrounding areas are numbed. After that, to access the pulp chamber, the endodontist drills an opening through the crown of the infected tooth. In the case of a front tooth, the opening is drilled from behind the tooth.
Utilizing special files, the endodontist cleans infected, diseased, and dead pulp from the canals.
The procedure is not painful since the area is numb due to anesthesia, and the removed tissue is dead.
After the endodontist removes all the infected and dead tissue, they disinfect the canals with disinfectants.
Shaping the canals
The endodontist shapes the canals using fine instruments, preparing them for root canal fillings and sealing. During the shaping process, they use the irrigation method to wash and clean the canals, removing any debris before filling and sealing the tooth.
Filling the canals
They then permanently seal the empty canals in your tooth with a long-lasting barrier material to prevent bacteria from re-infecting them.
Making the tooth functional again
Finally, they place a large, well-sealed restoration on the tooth to ensure no bacteria from the mouth can leak back into it. This may require further protection in the form of posts, crowns, or other similar materials.
What to Expect After Root Canal Treatment?
Following a root canal treatment, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling in the teeth. These symptoms gradually subside over time. To further protect the treated tooth, it is recommended that a crown be placed over it. While this might add to the overall root canal treatment cost, a crown helps prevent any accidental damage to the tooth.
In addition to getting a crown, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and using inter-dental brushes to keep the treated tooth clean and plaque-free. Furthermore, it is crucial to attend regular follow-up visits with your dentist. These visits are important for monitoring the restored teeth and gums and addressing any concerns that may arise.
What Precautions Should be Taken Immediately After Root Canal Treatment?
It would help if you took the following precautions after RCT:
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes.
- Try to avoid hard, crunchy foods from the side of the treatment for approximately a day.
- Take the antibiotics as advised.
- Regularly brush and floss your teeth.
Are there any Side Effects of the Root Canal Procedure?
Some of the side effects of RCT are:
- Dull pain in the tooth after the procedure (usually vanishes within a week).
- Re-infection if bacteria remain after the procedure.
- The crown may come loose, exposing the treated tooth and allowing bacteria to enter and infect the tooth again.
- Defective filling materials may also lead to bacterial infection.
It is advised to visit your doctor if the pain stops after a few days of the treatment but then recurs again.
What Technological Advancements are Available for Root Canal Treatment?
Some of the technological advancements available for root canal treatment are:
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) captures high-resolution images of the tooth and its surrounding structures. It offers more precise and detailed data than conventional or digital radiography. It enables the dentist or endodontist to assess the tooth’s status, strategize the treatment, and assess the outcomes. CBCT also has the potential to decrease radiation exposure and environmental impact compared to conventional radiography. This advanced technology can influence the overall root canal treatment cost due to its ability to enhance treatment planning and outcomes.
Digital Imaging and 3D Radiography
The application of digital imaging and 3D radiography represents a further development in root canal technology. These techniques utilize sensors or scanners to capture and digitize images of the tooth and its surrounding structures, thereby improving the precision and quality of RCT. Your healthcare professional can integrate digital imaging and 3D radiography with other technologies, such as CBCT, CAD/CAM, and lasers, to deliver a more accurate and comprehensive treatment.
Digital Endodontics
Digital endodontics uses digital technologies and devices for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and implementation of RCT. By using technologies such as digital radiography, laser technology, and CBCT, digital endodontics aims to provide a more precise and comprehensive treatment.
Laser Technology
Using laser technology in root canal treatment is a cutting-edge and emerging aspect of root canal technology. Laser technology harnesses light energy to perform various endodontics functions and procedures, including diagnosis, disinfection, cleaning, shaping, filling, and sealing. The incorporation of laser technology may influence the root canal treatment cost, but it offers a more advanced and efficient treatment option.
How much does Root Canal Treatment Cost?
Root canal treatment costs can vary significantly depending on the country, the clinic, and the complexity of the case. The cost of RCT in different countries is mentioned below:
| Country | Cost in Local Currency | Cost in USD |
| India | INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 | USD 50 – USD 120 |
| Turkey | TRY 1,500 – TRY 3,500 | USD 60 – USD 130 |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | AED 1,000 – 2,500 AED | USD 250 – USD 650 |
| France | € 300 – € 800 | USD 350 – USD 750 |
These are approximate ranges and can vary based on the specific dentist, clinic, and region within each country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, root canal treatment has become a routine and effective procedure for preserving natural teeth,. Understanding the different variables of root canal treatment cost can help you make informed decisions about your dental care. Whether you’re considering treatment in your home country or exploring options abroad, it’s essential to weigh the costs against the quality of care and the expertise of dental professionals. Investing in a root canal today can save you from more extensive and costly procedures in the future, ensuring your smile remains healthy and strong.