Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment
Posted on: 18 April 2022
Getting root canals can relieve you from extreme oral pain and serious dental health concerns. However, there are misconceptions that the procedure is uncomfortable, lengthy, and painful. It is essential that you understand facts about the procedure and how it can save your tooth.
Here are five common myths surrounding root canals debunked.
Root Canals Demand Several Appointments With Your Dentist
Thanks to modern dentistry, root canal procedures can be done in a single appointment. A simple root canal procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of tooth damage. However, some procedures can take two to three appointments for serious infections.
Root Canals Are Painful
An infected tooth exposes tissues in the dental pulp to bacteria and foreign substances. Also, the soft tissues are very sensitive as they hold the tooth nerve, causing pain and increased tooth sensitivity to cold and warm beverages. Usually, people associate the pain from the infection with root canal treatment, which is not accurate. The root treatment is meant to treat the infection, doing away with the pain.
The root canal procedure is performed using anesthetics, meaning you do not feel pain. Sedatives can also help you relax if you feel anxious about the procedure. Professional dentists also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce pain during the recovery phase.
Tooth Canal Treatment Is Risky
The myth that root canals pose health risks was based on poorly done research done by Weston Prince a long time ago. Unfortunately, this myth persists to date. The truth is that no evidence links root canal treatment to other health complications. Instead, avoiding treatment could cause the infection to spread to other teeth, demanding multiple root canals or even tooth extraction.
Root Canals Are Unnecessary if You Don't Feel Pain
Toothache and increased sensitivity to hot and cold beverages are the most common symptoms of tooth infections. However, during early stages of a tooth infection, these symptoms do not show. Regular dental checkups can help detect the infection at an early stage and receive treatment early.
Root Canals Are Not Always Successful
This is not true. Root canal treatment has a higher success rate if carried out by a skilled dentist. However, after the procedure, the tooth and surrounding gums require to be kept healthy for the tooth to function well without further complications.
Regular dental checkups can help point out teeth infections before symptoms like increased sensitivity and pain occur. If your dentist suggests root canal treatment therapy, it's advisable not to postpone the treatment. This will only make the infection worse. Root canals are painless, have a higher success rate, and do not put you at any risk.
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