I am writing this blog to clear many myths surrounding Root Canal Treatment (RCT) & also help people know the facts & what they should expect if they ever need one.
WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
RCT involves cleaning of the root canal of the pain causing infection & insertion of inert filler to further arrest any infection.It is essential to save the natural tooth which otherwise will have to be removed.
IS IT PAINFUL?
No. Infact it provides pain relief. RCT takes away pain caused by decay/infection. With advances in anesthesia, the procedure is not at all painful.
IS IT A LENGTHY PROCESS?
No. Today most cases can be finished in a single appointment. In cases with severe infection, your doctor may place a medicament in the interior of root & finish the treatment couple of days later.
IS IT BETTER TO REMOVE THE TOOTH THEN HAVE RCT?
False. Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. RCT is cost effective & has high success rate. Many RCT treated teeth serve a lifetime.
IT CAN CAUSE ILLNESS?
False. This is a common myth floating around the internet. RCT eliminates bacteria from the infected tooth. It would improve your oral & overall health.
IT IS COSTLY?
Root canals are as thin as human hair. So there is a need of high-quality & accurate instruments, materials & equipment. Some clinics may cut corners & compromise on quality to reduce the price. Also, use of poor quality instruments may cause breakage and calls for big complications. RCT & dental crown is less expensive than removing the tooth & replacing it with implant/bridge.It costs less than your smartphone & almost would last 20 times more.
STOP LOOKING FOR DEALS ON YOUR HEALTH.
NECESSARY TO TAKE POWERFUL PAINKILLERS AFTER TREATMENT?
Most cases do not require painkiller after completion of treatment. Cases with severe infection may need a short course of pain medication during the treatment span.
RCT KILLS THE TOOTH?
False. RCT cleans & disinfects the inside of the tooth, allowing healing. RCT treated teeth also have a long service life.
FAILED RCT TOOTH SHOULD ALWAYS BE REMOVED?
No. A tooth with failed endodontic treatment can often also be re-treated. A re-treatment is a procedure of redoing RCT. Some teeth also may require a few additional procedures.
Dr.Manthan Desai MDS
Smiles Dental Clinic-Centre For Advanced Dentistry, Mumbai.