In support of the Root Canal Awareness Week which runs from March 22-28, 2015, Dr. Yasmin Al-Zoubaidy, Root Canal Specialist at Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic aims to dispel myths about root canal treatment (RCT) and advocates the special role of the Endodontist on the dental team.
A root canal is a procedure done to treat and save a tooth that is damaged, infected or badly decayed. The treatment involves the removal of the inflamed or infected nerves and pulp inside the tooth. That area inside the tooth is then cleaned, disinfected and sealed. After restoration, a root-canaled tooth continues to function like any other healthy tooth.
Endodontists are dental specialists with two or more additional years of specialized training following dental school. They are the experts in root canal treatments and they use their training in treating even the most complex and unusual root canal cases.
"If you need a root canal, see an endodontist. Root canals don’t cause pain – they relieve it."
“As Endodontists, on average we perform 25 root canal treatments in a week, while general dentists perform less than two in the same period.”
Dr. Yasmin states that one of the most common misconceptions is that root canal treatment causes pain. “Root canal treatments alleviate pain and does not cause nor trigger it. Toothache is caused by damaged and infected tissue within the tooth and removing this damaged tissue through root canal relieves the pain patients feel.”
“As an Endodontist, my aim is to save teeth because nothing can replace your natural tooth. If you have an infected toe, you would not amputate the whole leg.”
“Another big myth is the link between root canal and cancer. Root canal treatments are safe and effective and there is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth and disease elsewhere in the body. A research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that a patient’s risk of cancer doesn’t change after having a root canal treatment; in fact, patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45 percent reduced risk of cancer.”
“In my practice here in Dubai, I find that patients lead a very hectic lifestyle. They are in and out of the country a lot. Root canal treatment is a safe, pain-free, quick and efficient procedure, and in comparison to tooth extractions, root canal treatments allow teeth to function as they normally would. My patients can resume their daily activities right after the treatment – they can drive, get back to work and even be on their scheduled flights.”
If you wish to book a root canal consultation with Dr. Yasmin, please call 04-3949433 or visit www.drmichaels.com today.