A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The procedure is typically performed to save a tooth that has become infected or damaged due to decay, injury, or other factors.

During a root canal procedure, a dentist or endodontist (a specialist in root canal procedures) will make an opening in the top of the tooth and remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessels. Once the infected or damaged tissue has been removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.

Root canal procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The procedure may take one or more visits to complete, depending on the severity of the infection or damage to the tooth. After a root canal, the tooth may be restored with a crown or other type of filling to strengthen and protect it.

It's important to have a root canal procedure as soon as possible if you have an infected or damaged tooth, as ignoring the problem can lead to more serious dental issues, including the need to have the tooth extracted.

Why Is a Root Canal Done?

Root canal procedures are typically performed when a tooth has become infected or damaged and is at risk of being lost. The procedure is performed to remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth and to clean and seal the inside of the tooth to prevent further infection.

There are several reasons why a tooth may need a root canal, including:

Decay: Tooth decay that has reached the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) can cause an infection that can spread to the root of the tooth if left untreated.

Injury: A tooth that has been injured and has a crack or chip that reaches the pulp can also become infected.

Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that can form at the root of a tooth due to an infection. An abscess can cause severe pain and can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.

Infection: Bacteria can enter the pulp of a tooth through a deep cavity or a crack in the tooth, leading to an infection.

Benefits Of Root-Canal

There are several benefits to having a root canal, including:

Relief From Pain: A root canal can help to alleviate tooth pain and sensitivity, as it removes the infected or damaged tissue that is causing discomfort.

Save The Tooth: A root canal can help to save a tooth that is infected or damaged rather than extracting it. This can help to maintain the natural appearance and function of your teeth.

Avoid Further Complications: If a tooth is infected or damaged and left untreated, it can lead to further complications such as an abscess (a pocket of pus that forms at the end of the root). A root canal can help to prevent these complications from occurring.

Maintain Oral Health: Maintaining the health of your teeth is important for overall oral health. By having a root canal, you can help to keep your mouth healthy and prevent further dental problems from occurring.

Improve Appearance: A root canal can help to improve the appearance of your teeth, as it removes infected or damaged tissue and helps to restore the tooth to its natural state.

How Many Visits Are Needed For Root Canal

Typically, a root canal procedure requires one or two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth and make an opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged tissue inside. The infected tissue is then removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped.

At the end of the first visit, the dentist may place a temporary filling in the opening to protect the tooth until the second visit. At the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent filling or crown (a cap that covers the tooth) to seal the opening and protect the tooth.

In some cases, a root canal may be completed in a single visit if the infection is not severe and the tooth can be properly sealed in one session. However, more complex cases may require additional visits. It is important to discuss the specifics of your treatment plan with your dentist so that you have a clear understanding of the number of visits that will be required.

Can A Root Canal Be Done Twice?

It is possible for a root canal to be performed more than once on a tooth. This is known as a retreatment or re-root canal. There are a few reasons why a tooth may need to be retreated, including if the original root canal procedure was not successful in eliminating the infection or if the infection has returned after the initial procedure.

In some cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure may develop new infection or damage to the root canal fillings or crown. In these situations, it may be necessary to perform retreatment to remove the infected or damaged tissue and clean and seal the inside of the tooth again.

If a retreatment is necessary, the dentist or endodontist will follow a similar process to the original root canal procedure. They will make an opening in the top of the tooth, remove the infected or damaged tissue, clean and seal the inside of the tooth, and then restore the tooth with a crown or filling to strengthen and protect it.

Root Canal Cost In Mumbai

The cost of a root canal in Mumbai can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the tooth, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of material used to fill the root canal. In general, the cost of a root canal in Mumbai can range from around INR 2,000 to INR 15,000, although it can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances. It is important to discuss the cost of a root canal with your dentist before the procedure is performed so that you have a clear understanding of the expenses involved. In some cases, dental insurance may cover part or all of the cost of a root canal.