What strikes you as you hear the phrase root canal? That it causes discomfort and is painful? It’s costly? Does it make you sick? Myths about root canal treatments are misleading for many people. A stigma has developed over time that the root canal practice is unsafe and harmful, and possibly yields more health concerns in future. The facts say something different.
In this guide, we’ll clarify that some myths are just that, myths: false and unverified statements. A root canal treatment in our dental clinic could be very different from what you think. Here is the list of myths and facts to ease your mind.
Myth – Root Canal Causes Unbearable Discomfort and Pain
Many patients feel they will have to undergo intense pain and discomfort during root canal therapy. The fact is far from what people think. Modern equipment and an experienced dentist make the treatment comfortable and painless. Our dentist will numb the infected tooth and the area around it with anaesthesia before starting the treatment to avoid the pain you could feel. A doctor also prescribes medication to ease the pain you feel post-procedure.
Myth – It Involves Pulling Out the Roots of the Tooth
People who need to opt for root canal treatment sometimes believe this practice involves sectioning and removing roots from the rest of the tooth. However, this is not how it works. The root canal is a preventive cure to save the injured tooth and its roots. It includes extracting the infected pulp to eliminate the bacteria and avoid new infections.
Our dentist then cleans, adds filling, and seals the canals. The pulp that fills the root canal has nerves and connective tissue to help the cured tooth’s roots to grow. In the case of the fully grown tooth, a dentist doesn’t use the pulp to grow because it can survive using surrounding tissues.
Myth – Root Canals Cause Other Health Issues
An infected root canal is vulnerable to infection that may affect surrounding teeth, gums, and tissues. It is a misbelief that there is a possibility of contracting other diseases if an individual opts for a root canal. The cure for an infected root canal does not impact any other part of the body or put it at risk of viral diseases.
The root canal treatment is safe and effective. Also, avoiding a root canal can actually result in additional health issues because oral health is directly concerned with the complete health of the body.
Myth – Pregnant Women Cannot Get Root Canal Therapy
Many pregnant women are tense as they think opting for a root canal treatment can probably impact the developing foetus. However, many people unknowingly ignore the fact that pregnancy can worsen existing dental issues or generate new ones. That’s why a root canal treatment is safe and recommended even when you are expecting. The dentist will take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re safe.
Don’t worry! The baby’s health is unaffected by the anaesthesia used to manage pain. Still, a dentist may ask if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any other health concern that requires a hold or delay in treatment. We advise you to consult your dentist before finalising the root canal treatment.
Myth – Root Canal Is Not Long-Lasting
People usually believe that a root canal treatment never lasts long, and once it fails, you must opt for tooth extraction. The truth is that a root canal treatment lasts lifelong if the restoration procedure happens on time by an expert dentist. This treatment keeps your natural tooth safe by removing the infected pulp.
A root canal stays longer for front teeth as they have a single root. While back teeth have two to three roots and need repair after a decade. Hence, a root canal may not last as long on back teeth for more than a decade if you don’t practise a hygienic dental routine.
Myth – Tooth Removal Is More Reliable Than A Root Canal
Patients opt for a tooth extraction when they feel root canal treatment is ineffective or don’t want to spend time and money on a root canal. However, it is untrue that removing a tooth and choosing a tooth implant is more suitable than root canal therapy. The dentist always tries to preserve the natural tooth. For that, a root canal is the best way.
A root canal is an endodontic remedy that helps eliminate the infection to save the tooth. One should only opt for tooth removal when the natural tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Myth – You Can Delay Root Canal Therapy If The Tooth Is Not Bothering You
Some people assume they can postpone a root canal if the damaged tooth is not troublesome. Yet, the infected tooth can contaminate the surrounding teeth, gums, and tissues and result in excessive pain if they wait for a long time for the root canal treatment.
When you visit the dentist, they can help you identify the damage caused by an infected pulp and prescribe a root canal treatment to cure it as soon as possible. Therefore, we advise you to visit a dentist for a check up every six months, even if you don’t feel extreme sensitivity or pain.
Prodental Melbourne’s dentist recommends ignoring the myths and following the practitioner’s advice for root canal treatment instead of removing the natural tooth. Our dentist in Ivanhoe ensures that the root canal treatment is neither dangerous nor painful.
Visit our website to check the signs of an infected root canal or book an appointment with our dentist.