Publication: Patients’ Perceptions and Experience towards Root Canal Treatment: A Prospective Analytical Study
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Although Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is considered to be a painful procedure,
it actually alleviates the pain of endodontic origin. Patient may avoid root canal
treatment mainly due to anxiety and fear of pain, resulting in treatment avoidance
and eventual tooth loss through extraction.
Objective
To overview the patients’ perceptions towards Root Canal Treatments and compare
those perceptions to their post treatment actual experiences.
Method
A prospective analytical study was conducted at the Department of Conservative
Dentistry and Endodontics, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
(KUSMS), Dhulikhel. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients
before starting of the root canal treatment and immediately after placement of the
root canal filling materials. Multiple-choice questions were used to assess patient
concerns, levels of nervousness, and perceptions of anticipated versus experienced
pain.
Result
Before initiation of treatment 38 patients (16.7%) anticipated root canal treatment to
be painless, while 171 (75.3%) and 18 (7.9%) expected it to be painful and extremely
painful respectively. Following treatment 123 patients (54.2%) reported no pain,
whereas 98 (43.2%) and 6 (2.6%) experienced it as painful and extremely. While pain
associated with the treatment was the highest pretreatment concern 60 (26.4%), the
post treatment concern was time 38 (16.7%).
Conclusion
The study provided insights into patient’s perceptions regarding root canal treatment.
Pain experienced during endodontic treatment was frequently less than anticipated
pain. There was a 100% satisfaction rate with root canal treatment, and most patients
expressed willingness to undergo the treatment again if needed.
KEY WORDS
Anticipated pain, Experienced pain, Pain perception, Root canal treatment
Description
Pradhan SP,1 Nepal M,1 Chakradhar A,1 Mahanta SK,2 Adhikari S3
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
2Department of Community Dentistry
3Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Anticipated pain, Experienced pain, Pain perception, Root canal treatment