Most dental procedures sound intimidating, but root canals take the cake. They’re one of the most common dental procedures—performed at most clinics—but people remain averse to them.
However, the sooner you undergo root canal treatment, the better it is for you. Timely root canals can help ease the pain caused by an infected inner pulp, saving your tooth from further decay.
If you’re still hesitant, we’ve debunked some root canal myths that will help you overcome your fear!
Myth #1: It’s Extremely Painful
Modern medicine and anesthesia have made root canal treatments painless. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth’s surrounding area to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. The pain is from the infected tooth itself; through the root canal, the dentist cleans out the infection, removing the source of your toothache.
While the procedure itself is painless, your tooth/gum might be sensitive for a few days. But this is nothing to worry about. Dentists prescribe over-the-counter medicine to help you deal with the pain until it subsides.
Myth #2: You Will Have to Get the Tooth Removed Eventually, so There is No Need to Get a Root Canal
There is no reason to assume that you will have to get your tooth removed until your dentist explicitly tells you that you should.
Root canals are preventive; once the tooth is clean and disinfected, good oral hygiene ensures your natural tooth stays intact.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illnesses
This myth is based on incorrect and poorly conducted research that was debunked decades ago. Root canals are meant to treat infection, so it doesn’t spread to other areas–quite the opposite of what the myth says.
Myth #4: Unending Trips to the Dentist
Most root canals are completed within one to three dentist visits. There is an initial checkup, followed by the root canal and the permanent filling procedure. Your tooth condition will also determine how many dentist trips you’ll have to make, but it’s still a better and more inexpensive option than a tooth extraction.
Myth #5: The Tooth Becomes a Dummy/Useless
A root canal cleans out the infected inner pulp of the tooth to reduce the pain and prevent it from spreading. Only the inner parts of the tooth, such as the infected pulp and nerve tissues, are removed to ensure there are no leftover bacteria.
While the surrounding area may become sensitive for some time after the treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene will help your tooth recover faster.
If you’re tired of the constant toothache and discomfort, get in touch with the dentists at West Hills Smiles to get a consultation about your tooth’s condition. Timely decisions can help you save your teeth and maintain your fresh smile.