Microscope root canal or a standard root canal
What the microscope and the rubber dam change, and what they do not.
The short answer
A root canal here is done under a dental operating microscope with a rubber dam on every case, and both are included in the PKR 48,000. The microscope magnifies up to 22-24×, far above what a loupe can reach. The rubber dam makes it possible to use highly concentrated chemicals to clean inside the canals and kill the bacteria.
Prices are given in writing before treatment begins. Rates are reviewed each year.
Side by side
Magnification
With a microscope and a rubber dam
Up to 22-24×, adjustable, with depth perception for accurate placement and lighting bright enough to light up the dark areas inside a tooth.
With a loupe, or no rubber dam
A loupe cannot reach that magnification.
Finding the canals
With a microscope and a rubber dam
Canals are not missed, and decay comes out completely.
With a loupe, or no rubber dam
Without that view, a canal can be missed. Dr Arshad’s own explanation of why a microscope is used.
Cleaning the canals
With a microscope and a rubber dam
The rubber dam lets the dentist use highly concentrated chemicals to clean inside the canals and kill the bacteria.
With a loupe, or no rubber dam
Dentists who do not use a rubber dam avoid those chemicals, because they taste bad, and risk the treatment. Dr Arshad’s explanation.
Visits
With a microscope and a rubber dam
One visit, nine times out of ten. Rotary instruments made single-visit treatment safe.
With a loupe, or no rubber dam
The number of visits depends on the clinic’s own method.
Price at this clinic
With a microscope and a rubber dam
PKR 48,000 per tooth, without a crown, with the microscope and rubber dam included.
With a loupe, or no rubber dam
Not published here. Ask any clinic what its price includes.
What to take from it
The two things that can be checked before you agree to a root canal are whether a microscope will be used and whether a rubber dam will be placed on your tooth. Both are answered yes here, on every case, and both are covered by the single price.
What else is in the price
One price per tooth
PKR 48,000 per tooth, without a crown. A crown, if the tooth then needs one, is quoted on its own.
Examination first
Consultation and X-ray are PKR 3,500, before you decide.
Written before treatment
Prices are given in writing before treatment begins.
Common questions
Questions people ask about this choice.
01Why is a rubber dam used?
It lets the dentist use highly concentrated chemicals to clean inside the canals and kill the bacteria. Dentists who do not use one avoid those chemicals, because they taste bad, and risk the treatment.
02Is a root canal done in one visit?
Nine times out of ten. Rotary instruments made single-visit treatment safe. Cases that arrive with infection, and some re-treatments, need an antibiotic dressing left in the canals for fourteen days, which is two visits.
03How successful is a root canal, and how long will the tooth last?
The success rate is 95 to 100%. If the tooth already has infection in it that falls to about 85 to 90%, which does not reduce how worthwhile the procedure is. Those figures are for periods exceeding ten years.
The full price lists
More comparisons
Ask before you decide, and get the price in writing.
Ask the question at the consultation: microscope, rubber dam, one price. Examination and X-ray are PKR 3,500.