Root Canal Treatment Query. Or not?

RCT is basically a blind procedure in which we don't see the canals we are working on but actually we feel the canals, their size and their curvature and then perform the procedures. X rays are taken to correlate the clinical findings with the xrays so that the treatment can be done in a more predictable way. X rays are two dimensional photographs so the overlap of two structures can be confusing because we cannot determine by the single x-ray itself as to which of these structures is ahead and which is behind. So the X-rays are taken at different angulations to assess this situation and this is particularly more important in multi rooted teeth like premolars and molars. The simplest way to judge whether the RCT has been done correctly or not is to take a post operative x-ray and see that all the canals have been obturated till the root end. But frankly and practically speaking, even that x-ray will not be able to tell whether the lateral Canal is have been completely filled or not. For that the only way is to do a CT scan of that tooth and I guess you will agree with me that if the dentists start doing CT scan for root canal treatment the biggest apprehension will be from the patient's end only. So just relax and trust your operating dentist. You can show the post operative x-ray to another dentist for a second opinion if you desire. Regards.