Good oral health is very important for our smile and overall well-being. However, dental issues like cavities or tooth decay can become a barrier to oral health. Over time, your poor dental health may include major dental problems that can be alarming for oral health. Oral health is often compromised and delayed as the cost of dental procedures is a concern. Most of the time, the delay worsens the case, leading to tooth extraction or tooth loss. Such situations require immediate dental treatment to intervene and stop the problem. Root canal treatment is a prominent way to save and preserve a natural tooth. This is an ideal solution to prevent further damage, remove infection and provide immediate relief from the pain. In this blog, we’ll delve into the importance of the root canal procedure, pain management, and cost.
By the end, you’ll better understand why root canals are integral to dental care and how they can help maintain oral health and preserve natural smiles.
What Is the Need for Root Canal Treatment?
Tooth decay or cavities can get deeper and more severe if left unattended. They can reach the tooth’s root and affect the innermost layer of the tooth, known as the pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the infection reaches this area, it causes infection and leads to severe pain and inflammation in and around the tooth. Under such circumstances, root canal procedures become necessary to save the infected tooth and prevent the spread of the infection. Further delay in treating the infection can get your tooth extracted.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal specialist or an endodontist performs the root canal procedure. Following is the step-by-step guide to the root canal procedure:
- Your dentist will first numb the area with local anaesthesia to ensure the treatment is comfortable and painless.
- After that, they create a small hole in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- They remove the infected pulp and thoroughly clean all the nerves or infected areas to remove any remaining bacteria.
- When your tooth is clean and disinfected, your dentist will fill and seal the access with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent further infection.
- Next, your dentist will use a temporary filling to cover the teeth until your dental crown is ready.
- Once your crown is ready, your dentist will fix the crown to cover the root canal-treated tooth to restore its strength and appearance.
Root canal uses modern methods and techniques to avoid discomfort during the treatment. It also includes digital imaging, which helps your dentist offer precise and efficient treatment.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
Here are some essential factors that can impact the root canal treatment cost-
- Tooth Location: Root canal therapy costs can vary depending on the location of your tooth. Your front teeth have a single root, and your back teeth may have multiple roots. It is more complex to treat your back teeth than it is to treat your front teeth, and the level of complexity of your case can increase the cost of the treatment.
- Infection Level: If the infection is severe, it can add to the case’s complexity. A more severe infection would require more procedures and sittings. Such cases need more appointments and a longer time to complete the root canal procedure, which might impact the cost.
- Dental Clinic Location: The costs for dental treatment may differ in the regional cities. The treatment price in urban areas can vary compared to remote or rural areas. The standard of practice in the local regions and overhead expenses in a particular location can influence the cost.
- Dentist’s Expertise: Sometimes, the cost of treatment differs based on the dental practitioner. A general dentist may charge you less, while an endodontist or a root canal specialist might charge you more for their expertise. It is advisable to get treatment with a root canal expert for assured results.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Australia:
A root canal procedure in Australia would cost you between AUD $800 and $2,500 per tooth. The cost might vary in cities and other regional places. It can be expensive in urban cities like Melbourne and Sydney. The higher standard of living and other factors like better facilities and advanced technology can influence the price. Some dental clinics might provide consultation, X-rays, post-treatment care, etc, at an extra expense. You can ensure the various treatment costs with your dentist before starting your treatment.
a) Cost of root canal in Melbourne: In Melbourne, you can expect a root canal treatment cost starting from AUD $800 to $2,500 per tooth. The price may vary in the city depending on the factors mentioned above.
b) Cost of root canal in Sydney: Sydney is one of the affluent cities in Australia, and the price range for dental services like root canal therapy falls in the same range as the prices in Melbourne City. External factors in the town, like taxes or additional charges, can impact the overall treatment cost.
It is advisable to consult your dentist for a detailed overview of the cost of the treatment and other factors. You can also check about dental insurance with your insurance provider in your country or state to avail yourself of insurance coverage for your root canal treatment.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or think you have an infection, don’t delay getting dental care – a root canal treatment could be the solution to save your tooth and restore your smile. Remember, giving importance to your oral health today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.