While root canals are routine and beneficial, patients may have heard troubling misinformation about the procedure. These dangerous myths may prevent patients from receiving necessary care.
This blog will debunk three of the most prevalent myths about root canals and explain why the procedure can be vital to your oral health.
Myth #1: Root canals are very uncomfortable.
Fact: Root canals relieve rather than cause discomfort.
Many patients hesitate before scheduling a root canal because they believe the procedure will be worse than the pain they feel. Dentists reassure their patients that today's root canals are well-tolerated procedures that help heal a painful tooth. Advances in anesthesia and technique have made root canals progressively more comfortable in recent years.
Myth #2: A tooth extraction is better than a root canal.
Fact: A root canal may be able to save your tooth.
Root canals stabilize dying or infected teeth, allowing the natural root system to stay intact. The roots prevent tooth misalignment and keep the jawbone healthy and strong.
In addition, some patients believe that extracting a tooth is more straightforward and less costly than undergoing a root canal. However, patients sometimes forget to consider the cost of a restoration, such as a bridge, denture, or implant, that will be necessary after extracting the tooth.
Myth #3: Root canals cause illness.
Fact: Root canals treat illness and do not cause it.
Discredited studies claim that root canals cause illness. A century-old study dismissed in its time started the rumor that certain medical professionals perpetuate today.
Root canals prevent severe infections from entering the bloodstream and causing severe and perhaps catastrophic illness.
Signs You May Need A Root Canal
You may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Broken or decayed tooth
- Exposed pulp chamber
- Swollen, tender gums
- Severe tooth pain that worsens when you bite down or put pressure on the area
- Tooth with gray or black discoloration
- Painful tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets, especially if the sensitivity persists after removing the offending food
- Dental imaging results indicate the need for a root canal in the absence of other symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
How long do root canals take?
A root canal typically takes about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the size, location, and anatomy of your tooth.
Does my tooth need a crown or a filling after a root canal?
A root canal-treated tooth with a crown will last longer, but in certain situations, a filling is enough to protect the tooth.
Call Lindenwold Dental Center
We hope that this blog helps ease your misgivings about receiving a root canal. A root canal can relieve your discomfort and improve your oral health, and we look forward to helping you regain your quality of life. Please call our Lindenwold, NJ, office at 856-783-3777 for an appointment today.