Root Canals: Facts vs. Myths

Because of their scary reputation, there are many myths surrounding root canals. What are the facts? Here’s what you should know if you’re worried about root canals:

Myth: Root canals are really painful.

Fact: Modern dentistry ensures pain-free treatment.

Many people dread root canals because they worry the treatment will really hurt. That may have been true in the past before modern techniques, but today you won’t feel pain! We use anesthetic so getting a root canal is comparable to getting a filling. While you will feel pressure, the procedure itself is not painful.

Myth: It’s better to extract an infected tooth.

Fact: It’s usually better to preserve a natural tooth with root canal treatment.

Root canals are a restorative treatment for infected teeth. Some people think removing an infected tooth is better than going through a root canal. However, you then have to deal with a longer recovery time, the negative effects of a missing tooth, and the expense of getting the tooth replaced. If possible, it’s almost always better to save a natural tooth. Root canals let us do that.

Myth: Root canals can lead to disease.

Fact: There’s no evidence that root canals cause illness.

For years, there’s been a claim that root canals increase a person’s vulnerability to certain diseases, like cancer. The origin of this misconception dates back 100 years and it’s since been debunked. There’s no evidence that getting a root canal will cause disease in the future. You can feel confident that root canals are safe when done by competent professionals, like our team at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry!

Hermitage Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are a safe, effective treatment for tooth infections. Many people fear them, but the fact is that root canals relieve the severe pain that infections usually cause. This procedure also restores your tooth’s health and function. If you have more questions about root canals or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!

Root canal treatment image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Restorative Dental Care