Many patients are fearful of receiving root canal procedures. However, this treatment is not as scary as you might have heard—there is quite a bit of misinformation surrounding root canals! To ease your concerns about an upcoming root canal procedure, we’ve dispelled these five common myths about this treatment.
Myth #1: Root canal procedures are painful.
This is one of the most common myths about the root canal procedure. And while this may have been the case decades ago, modern technology has ensured that this treatment is no more painful than your average filling restoration. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic during the root canal procedure to make sure this process is as easy for you as possible. In fact, many patients experience considerable pain relief from this procedure, as the initial infection can be quite uncomfortable.
Myth #2: It is better to take the “wait-and-see” approach and avoid root canal procedures.
Actually, taking the “wait-and-see” approach could cause you more pain in the long run. Root canals are used to treat severe infections within the tooth. Should you choose to wait and prolong treatment, the infection could worsen. Ultimately, waiting could make it more likely for you to lose the tooth entirely. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Myth #3: Root canal treatment can lead to illness.
There is quite a bit of misinformation online surrounding the root canal procedure. One such myth states that root canal procedures can make you more likely to contract a disease. This misinformation is based on debunked research. Luckily, you do not have to worry about disease or illness occurring as a result of root canal procedures.
Myth #4: Tooth extraction is preferable to root canal procedures.
The best option and ultimate goal of endodontists is to save your natural teeth. While the technology for replacing your natural teeth is quite advanced, it is always best to avoid this when possible. Keeping your natural teeth in place allows you to maintain their function and preserve your bite alignment. Procedures to replace your natural teeth, on the other hand, can be quite intensive and require additional surgeries.
Myth #5: If you don’t have any pain, you don’t need a root canal procedure.
A root canal is used to treat damaged or infected pulp within the tooth’s root. In many cases, this infection or damage can cause pain as a result of pressure under the tooth. However, should you have a fistula—a small tunnel of tissue that appears to be a pimple beneath a damaged tooth—it can allow for drainage. Therefore, pressure from the infection can be released and make the problem feel relatively painless. This, however, does not make the infection any less urgent. It is still important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Do you need to schedule a root canal procedure? Contact College Drive Dental Associates in Palos Heights today to schedule your appointment.