I Was Diagnosed with a Cavity—Do I Really Need Treatment? I’m Also Scared of Root Canal Treatment

Many people are increasingly concerned about overtreatment when they visit the dentist for treatment.

Among them was someone who suspected they had actually experienced overtreatment and asked a question. Let’s take a look at what the case was.

Is this really not overtreatment?

This person asked whether it was correct that a cavity had already progressed through the wall of the tooth and into the inside, and that delaying treatment could mean needing root canal treatment.

They asked based only on a panoramic X-ray.

In fact, there are cases where it is difficult to make an accurate judgment based only on a panoramic X-ray.

In particular, when determining the depth of a cavity, it can be confirmed much more accurately with small dental X-rays such as PA and BW views.

However, if the area between the teeth itself appears dark on a panoramic X-ray, there is naturally a high probability that it is a cavity.

If the previous dental clinic took X-rays before explaining the condition, then the diagnosis that the cavity had progressed through the tooth wall and into the inside is likely to be correct.

I suspect there are cavities on both sides of the amalgam, and it seems that treatment may be needed.

This person had been using the amalgam well until now, so they were wondering whether it was really true that there were cavities on both sides of it.

In this case, the amalgam restoration was very large.

It is actually fairly common for secondary cavities to develop around old amalgam restorations.

In such cases, the existing amalgam is removed first, and the extent of the cavity is checked. If it is extensive, indirect restorations such as an inlay are often recommended.

In these cases, the cavity can often progress quite quickly.

If it is left untreated for too long, it can progress closer to the nerve and may eventually require root canal treatment.

Is a treatment cost of 600,000 won correct?

There are actually many more people than you might expect who have questions about treatment costs.

They often wonder whether the cost is excessive or appropriate.

In the case above, I judged that the amount was appropriate and could reasonably be expected.

As mentioned above, an X-ray is needed to make a definite diagnosis and reach an accurate conclusion.

Treating a cavity too early can have its drawbacks, but conversely, if treatment is delayed until the cavity has progressed to the nerve, the cost and treatment period can become much greater.

If the diagnosis that cavity treatment is needed is correct, it is not advisable to delay treatment for too long.

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