3 Myths About Root Canal Treatment

3 Myths About Root Canal Treatment from Trophy Smile Studio in Trophy Club, TXRoot canal treatment has a bad reputation, one that can be traced back to a single erroneous research report from the 1920s. At the time, a major dental publication released a report claiming that root canal operations cause disease, arthritis, and other problems. The dentist advised that teeth should be extracted and that root canals should be avoided at all costs. Dentists eventually questioned the findings, and it was entirely rejected in the 1950s. However, myths about root canals and the fear of them persist today.

Root canal myths

The fact remains that root canal treatments are intended to be beneficial and not harmful, so it is important not to panic if the dentist recommends the procedure. Root canal therapy eliminates bacteria from an infected root canal, preventing the tooth from becoming infected again. During the process, the dentist removes any inflamed or diseased pulp from the tooth’s root, cleans and disinfects it, and then fills and seals it. The following are common root canal myths and the truths about them.

Myth: Root canals are often excruciatingly painful

The first thing that springs to mind when people think of root canals is pain. The fact is that root canal therapy itself is painless. The pain comes from the infection inside the tooth. Root canal therapy is effective in relieving the discomfort produced by an infected tooth. Before starting the procedure, the dentist will numb the tooth and the surrounding area by administering a local anesthetic.

With modern technology and techniques, patients often describe the process as no worse than getting a filling. While it is true that one might experience discomfort after the procedure, the dental professional will recommend anti-inflammatory meds or other pain relievers for pain management.

Myth: Pain should disappear immediately after the treatment

Another common misconception is immediate pain alleviation following this treatment, and this is occasionally the case. However, while the discomfort will decrease significantly, patients may experience minimal discomfort from a few days to a few weeks. It is sometimes painful to chew on the tooth for a week or two. The use of over-the-counter pain medications can assist with this.

Patients should only chew lightly on the treated tooth until any discomfort has subsided. The cause of the lingering pain is that the ligament that holds the tooth to the bone (periodontal ligament) may be inflamed following the treatment, which takes time to heal.

Myth: A root canal is preferable to an extraction

Although extraction is less expensive and time-consuming than a root canal, it is not regarded as superior in most cases. A correctly done root canal can extend the life of a repaired tooth. Tooth extraction may cause the surrounding teeth to shift gradually into the empty area, causing problems with bite alignment.

Furthermore, if a lower tooth is extracted, the opposite tooth will frequently migrate downward due to gravity. Dental misalignment might cause jaw (temporomandibular joint) pain. The cost of a root canal is also significantly cheaper than the cost of a dental implant. The dentist will thoroughly examine the patient’s unique circumstances and determine the best treatment option.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Trophy Club, TX

In conclusion

When handled by an experienced dentist, root canal treatment has a high success rate. To learn more about the treatment, schedule a dental appointment.

Request an appointment or call Trophy Smile Studio at 817-210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.

Related Posts

4 Tips For Choosing A Dentist For Root Canal Treatment

If you recently found out that you need to undergo a root canal treatment, you will need to visit a dentist with expertise in the procedure. Many people believe that their dentist is a one-stop shop for all their dental requirements. But this is not always the case. This article contains tips for selecting the…

The FAQs Of A Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment may sound terrifying, but it is a necessary procedure. This procedure has a reputation for being uncomfortable. It is no wonder that you might want more information about what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get a better understanding of a root canal.The simple explanation of…

Will I Need A Dental Crown After A Root Canal Treatment?

You may need a dental crown, but it all depends on your root canal treatment. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you need dental work beyond the treatment. Needing a crown is determined by the location and severity of the root canal. Crowns can be recommended because they protect your existing teeth…