Root Canal Therapy
Steps to a pain free root canal treatment
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Frequently Asked Questions
We often hear people say, ‘I got a Root Canal done’. What does this mean?
A lay person may say that it means that a root has been taken out or the nerve has been cut and the root filled thereafter. The real term is ‘Root Canal Therapy’, which is essentially treatment for the root structure of your tooth.
The top part of your tooth that is visible in the mouth is called the crown. It has an outer hard layer of enamel and a second softer layer with fine nerve endings in it called the dentin. The two layers together enclose and protect the nerve or pulp tissue which provides strength to the tooth. The nerve is sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. The nerve tissue narrows down and continues down the entire length of the root and is housed in a narrow canal termed the root canal. The canal is just a passage in which the nerve is housed, and it ends up at the tip of the root. Teeth with multiple roots have a nerve running in each of the canals. Further, these nerves have several fine branches running criss-cross within the root. It is indeed a very complex system.
When the tooth is healthy, the presence of the nerve is not felt. If the tooth is attacked by bacteria from a cavity or from gum disease or a strong biting force, the affected nerve starts to deteriorate and may gradually become ‘non-vital.
Depending on the status or stage of the infection the tooth may experience pain when biting and become sensitive to hot or cold liquids or food. As the infection progresses the bacteria that are now trapped inside the root start to multiply and release toxins and all of this starts up the process of inflammation or swelling. The tooth being a hard, closed structure, pressure is created, and a severe tooth ache develops.
At other times, a childhood injury to the tooth can slowly show symptoms several years later with a change in colour of the tooth with some accompanying discomfort.
In spite of the nerve being infected we still want to save the tooth because it can still serve as a biting tool if the infection is removed and the tooth is protected with a crown. In the case of front teeth, a tooth saved by a root canal procedure will still help you smile with confidence as the root canal procedure is done thru a small hole behind the tooth and will not be visible when you smile.
The dentist verifies that the tooth is infected by means of clinical tests and an X-ray. A local anaesthetic is given to numb the tooth and the entire nerve tissue is removed. The inside of the canal is shaped and sterilised to prevent new bacterial growth. The procedure takes 1-3 sessions. An inert material, the most common being gutta percha, a natural product, is used to hermetically seal the empty canal because it does not allow bacteria to grow.
Root Canal Therapy is a means of prolonging the life of the tooth and avoiding radical methods like extraction to remove infections. This conservative modality of managing a root infection has helped save millions of teeth and preserve the natural dentition.
The success rate is very high, but due to the intricate root structure, sometimes further complicated by calcium deposits and resistant bacteria, this success rate can be reduced.
Root treated teeth, in some rare cases, can become re-infected again and then the task of saving the tooth becomes more challenging.
When you consider that this treatment is the only chance to save your tooth, it is well worth the time and effort. The cost of root canal treatment is much less than the cost of dental implants, but you will need a clinical and radiographic examination to determine if your tooth can be saved by root canal treatment.
Success rates have improved dramatically in the past few years with the advent of sophisticated cleaning devices, digital 3D imaging and Lasers.
Finally, the success of Root Canal Therapy depends on a skilled dentist, excellent oral hygiene and a motivated patient. A review of multiple studies on the long term success rate of root canal treatment over 10 years is approximately 86-93%. We practice the highest standards of asepsis and sterilization to ensure long term success of your root canal treated tooth. [1, 2]
No. We advise crowns for back teeth such as molars and premolars when a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost due to infection or trauma. Root canal treated front teeth do not normally need a crown, unless they begin to discolour or have large portions of damaged tooth structure.
It is inadvisable to get a veneer done on a root canal treated tooth except under very rare circumstances. If the tooth needs a restoration after the procedure, the tooth is best protected by a crown.
In some cases, due to extreme forces while biting or due to dental caries, the root canal treated tooth may fracture. In such situations, the remaining part of the tooth will be assessed by the Acharya Dental team clinically and with X-rays. If it is possible to save the tooth, a post will be used to replace the missing tooth structure and make a crown. If it is not possible to save the tooth, it will need to be extracted, and an implant, bridge or denture may be used to replace the missing tooth.
I went to him traumatized by my previous experiences with a prosthodontist from South Africa, who had brought so much damage to both my dental health and my mental wellbeing. I was also suffering from a serious TMJ disorder.
Dr Varun underwent a full mouth restoration in the most gentle and professional way. He repaired my occlusion and this improved my mental balance, so important after the traumatic experience mentioned above. He also did a tooth extraction and an implant, both in a very smooth and highly knowledgeable way.
Dr. Varun is the kind of doctor who puts the patient’s healing and mental wellbeing before the material gain. He also has quite high resources of patience, a very calm approach, and he allocates more than enough time with each patient. All this provides such a safe space for his patients, so important for dental work.
His practice- a state of the art practice. He makes sure that all procedures take place in an extremely clean environment, an aspect so important for India. The pricing is not as high as in other countries, that is why he has many foreign patients who come to India for the same high standard of service (or even higher) at a much lower pricing than in their home countries.
Last but not least, Dr. Varun Acharya completed his postgraduate studies at NYU in the US. One can recognize in him a deep interest in the latest research of his field of work and in staying up-to-date with latest dental methodology.
Today I look back to the year that is ending with gratitude towards the people who helped me have a better year than the previous one. And Dr. Varun is definitely high on that list. Thank you very much.
I went to him traumatized by my previous experiences with a prosthodontist from South Africa, who had brought so much damage to both my dental health and my mental wellbeing. I was also suffering from a serious TMJ disorder.
Dr Varun underwent a full mouth restoration in the most gentle and professional way. He repaired my occlusion and this improved my mental balance, so important after the traumatic experience mentioned above. He also did a tooth extraction and an implant, both in a very smooth and highly knowledgeable way.
Dr. Varun is the kind of doctor who puts the patient’s healing and mental wellbeing before the material gain. He also has quite high resources of patience, a very calm approach, and he allocates more than enough time with each patient. All this provides such a safe space for his patients, so important for dental work.
His practice- a state of the art practice. He makes sure that all procedures take place in an extremely clean environment, an aspect so important for India. The pricing is not as high as in other countries, that is why he has many foreign patients who come to India for the same high standard of service (or even higher) at a much lower pricing than in their home countries.
Last but not least, Dr. Varun Acharya completed his postgraduate studies at NYU in the US. One can recognize in him a deep interest in the latest research of his field of work and in staying up-to-date with latest dental methodology.
Today I look back to the year that is ending with gratitude towards the people who helped me have a better year than the previous one. And Dr. Varun is definitely high on that list. Thank you very much.
Dr.Mahesh was very professional, gentle and explained everything clearly. The clinic was clean and well-maintained. Highly recommended!
Dr.Mahesh was very professional, gentle and explained everything clearly. The clinic was clean and well-maintained. Highly recommended!
From the moment I stepped in, I felt at ease with their clean and friendly ambiance. The warm welcome from the staff set the tone for a wonderful experience. I was particularly impressed by the smiling way Dr Vijealakshmi Acharya tackled my dental issue, which had always been a nightmare for me before .
Dr Varun Acharya gave the finishing touch with gentleness , professionalism, and genuine care. I got back my smile and confidence through the expert treatment of both, Dr Vijealakshmi and Dr Varun.
Their expertise shone through the painless treatment I received, which was a huge relief!
I was also impressed by the reminders for my next appointment, which showed their attention to details and dedication to patient care.
To anyone seeking top-notch dental care : Acharya Dental provides exceptional service, expertise, and warm hospitality which make them truly stand out!
From the moment I stepped in, I felt at ease with their clean and friendly ambiance. The warm welcome from the staff set the tone for a wonderful experience. I was particularly impressed by the smiling way Dr Vijealakshmi Acharya tackled my dental issue, which had always been a nightmare for me before .
Dr Varun Acharya gave the finishing touch with gentleness , professionalism, and genuine care. I got back my smile and confidence through the expert treatment of both, Dr Vijealakshmi and Dr Varun.
Their expertise shone through the painless treatment I received, which was a huge relief!
I was also impressed by the reminders for my next appointment, which showed their attention to details and dedication to patient care.
To anyone seeking top-notch dental care : Acharya Dental provides exceptional service, expertise, and warm hospitality which make them truly stand out!
I was fortunate enough to get my smile correction done by Dr. Varun Acharya, who was absolutely patient, kind, and gentle throughout the entire procedure. It’s incredibly hard to believe that I had undergone an entire dental procedure with zero pain or discomfort, and I’m in love with my smile now.
The entire team at Acharya Dental exudes complete professionalism and mastery at what they do. You can completely trust Acharya Dental for any kind of dental issue, be it big or small, and be in awe as they work their magic.
I was fortunate enough to get my smile correction done by Dr. Varun Acharya, who was absolutely patient, kind, and gentle throughout the entire procedure. It’s incredibly hard to believe that I had undergone an entire dental procedure with zero pain or discomfort, and I’m in love with my smile now.
The entire team at Acharya Dental exudes complete professionalism and mastery at what they do. You can completely trust Acharya Dental for any kind of dental issue, be it big or small, and be in awe as they work their magic.
My name is Shahid Mohammed , iam 61 years old and my wife’s sister has recommended me to visit Acharya. Basically i am visiting India on vacation from Canada. Initially i had to put a cap which was broken and the doctors took my whole jaws x ray. Doctor Mahesh has done nicely the front tooth cap, and upon seeing my x ray he did recommend me a surgical extraction of my lower jaw tooth which was well performed by doctor seema. Though my cheek was swollen for 10 days and giving daily hot water fermentation and mouth wash plus medication has helped me. This was reduced after 15 days. I had root canal treatment and first time I had some pain and doctor sulochana said she would do i another sitting. Then she sent me down to surgical extraction and doctor seema done well with 2or 3 stitches. My point is anyone has to face with courage to our dental issues , and iam overall happy and very soon going to finish my treatment. Thank you all for your help including the front desk and god bless you.
Shahid Mohammed
My name is Shahid Mohammed , iam 61 years old and my wife’s sister has recommended me to visit Acharya. Basically i am visiting India on vacation from Canada. Initially i had to put a cap which was broken and the doctors took my whole jaws x ray. Doctor Mahesh has done nicely the front tooth cap, and upon seeing my x ray he did recommend me a surgical extraction of my lower jaw tooth which was well performed by doctor seema. Though my cheek was swollen for 10 days and giving daily hot water fermentation and mouth wash plus medication has helped me. This was reduced after 15 days. I had root canal treatment and first time I had some pain and doctor sulochana said she would do i another sitting. Then she sent me down to surgical extraction and doctor seema done well with 2or 3 stitches. My point is anyone has to face with courage to our dental issues , and iam overall happy and very soon going to finish my treatment. Thank you all for your help including the front desk and god bless you.
Shahid Mohammed
I’ve been a patient at Acharya Dental Clinic since around 2008 or 2009, and every visit has been marked by the same excellent level of care. From regular check-ups to more complex treatments, I’ve always felt well looked after here. The entire consistently ensure that patients are comfortable and fully informed, which is why I trust them with my dental health. I highly recommend this clinic for anyone looking for top-notch dental care.
I’ve been a patient at Acharya Dental Clinic since around 2008 or 2009, and every visit has been marked by the same excellent level of care. From regular check-ups to more complex treatments, I’ve always felt well looked after here. The entire consistently ensure that patients are comfortable and fully informed, which is why I trust them with my dental health. I highly recommend this clinic for anyone looking for top-notch dental care.
