Signs You Need a Root Canal: How to Know When It’s Time for Treatment
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and ignoring dental pain or sensitivity can lead to severe complications. One of the most common treatments for severely damaged or infected teeth is root canal treatment. It is a highly effective procedure that preserves the natural tooth while eliminating infection and pain.
Understanding the warning signs of a root canal can help you seek timely treatment and avoid further damage. Since dental treatments can be expensive, having the best medical insurance policy or the best mediclaim policy for family can provide financial relief for essential dental care.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
This is a dental procedure that treats infected or damaged teeth by removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the canal, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. This process helps preserve the tooth and restore its function, preventing the need for extraction and artificial replacements.
When a tooth’s pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and abscess formation. Root canal therapy effectively relieves pain and restores dental health.
Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment
Ignoring early symptoms of dental infections can lead to serious complications. If you experience any of the following signs, consult a dentist immediately:
Persistent and Severe Tooth Pain
One of the most common indications of an infected tooth is constant pain that does not subside. The pain may:
Increase when chewing or biting
Radiate to the jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth
Occur spontaneously without any trigger
If over-the-counter pain relievers do not help, the treatment might be necessary to remove the infection.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Foods
Do you experience lingering sensitivity after consuming hot coffee, ice cream, or cold beverages? This can be a sign of nerve damage or pulp infection. If the sensitivity remains for an extended period even after removing the stimulus, it may indicate that the tooth’s nerves are exposed or infected.
Swollen or Tender Gums
If the gums around a specific tooth are red, swollen, or painful, it could indicate an infection spreading from the root of the tooth. In some cases, a pimple-like swelling (dental abscess) may form on the gums, which may release pus or foul-smelling fluid. This is a serious condition that requires immediate dental attention.
Tooth Discoloration or Darkening
A dying or infected tooth may appear grey, brown, or black due to lack of blood supply. This occurs when the tooth’s nerve is damaged, and the infection spreads deep into the root. If you notice unexpected changes in tooth colour, consult a dentist for evaluation.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A fractured or chipped tooth can expose the inner pulp, making it vulnerable to infection. If you have recently suffered a dental injury or chewed on something hard, leading to a broken tooth, a root canal might be required to prevent further damage.
Deep Decay or Cavity
If a tooth cavity is left untreated, it can extend to the tooth’s nerve, causing intense pain and infection. When the decay reaches the pulp chamber, simple fillings are no longer effective, and a root canal treatment becomes necessary.
Loose or Wobbly Tooth
An infected tooth may feel loose or unstable due to damage in the root structure or surrounding bone. This is a critical sign that requires immediate intervention to prevent tooth loss.
Since root canal procedures may require multiple visits, having the best medical insurance policy can help cover hospital-based dental procedures, ensuring financial ease.
When Should You Visit a Dentist?
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not ignore them. Delaying treatment can result in severe pain, abscess formation, and even the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care:
You have unbearable tooth pain that interferes with daily activities.
You notice pus discharge or swelling in the gums.
Your tooth sensitivity lasts for several minutes or hours.
You have a cracked or chipped tooth with increasing discomfort.
Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of infection before they worsen. Investing in the best mediclaim policy for family ensures that all family members receive affordable and timely dental care.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment and Insurance Coverage
The cost of this treatment varies depending on:
Tooth Location – Root canals on molars (back teeth) tend to be more expensive than those on front teeth because molars have more roots.
Severity of Infection – A simple root canal costs less than a complex case involving severe infection or abscesses.
Dentist’s Expertise – Endodontists (specialists in root canals) may charge higher fees compared to general dentists.
Dental Clinic & Location – The cost can vary depending on whether the procedure is done at a premium dental clinic in a metro city or a smaller clinic in a rural area.
Type of Restoration – After an RCT, a dental crown may be needed to strengthen the tooth. Crowns add to the overall expense.
On average, root canal costs in India range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per tooth. If a dental crown is required, the cost may increase. Without proper insurance coverage, these expenses can be a burden.
How Insurance Can Help
Health insurance policies typically do not cover routine dental procedures like root canals unless they are required due to an accident or underlying medical condition. However, certain insurance plans offer dental cover as an add-on benefit.
Some best medical insurance in India policies offer OPD (Outpatient Department) coverage, which may include dental treatments.
Some best health insurance plans for family offer dental riders that cover treatments like RCT, tooth extractions, and implants.
If you have employer-provided health insurance, check if it includes dental benefits.
While not specific to dental care, some critical illness insurance plans cover treatments required due to severe infections affecting overall health.
Before undergoing a root canal, check with your insurance provider to understand coverage details.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure that helps preserve natural teeth, relieve pain, and prevent further infection. Recognising early signs such as severe tooth pain, sensitivity, gum swelling, and discoloration can help individuals seek timely treatment.
Since dental care can be costly, investing in the best medical insurance policy ensures financial security and access to quality treatment. Additionally, opting for the best mediclaim policy for family ensures that all loved ones receive necessary dental care without financial concerns.
Choosing Niva Bupa Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for dental procedures, hospitalisation, and follow-up treatments, ensuring peace of mind and a healthy future.
Comments
0 comment