Don'T Believe These Common Root Canal Myths

Posted on: 16 December 2022

You might be a bit alarmed to find out that your dentist is suggesting a root canal. In many cases, though, what people assume about root canals is just myths. To help you get the right idea about what to expect with a root canal, find out more about some common root canal myths.

Root Canals are Very Painful

If you have ever had a cavity filled, then get ready for something remarkably similar with a root canal. Modern anesthetics and procedures mean a pain-free and quick experience for dental patients. A root canal, ironically, is meant to stop the pain that is probably already occurring in your tooth. It does so by removing the thing that is causing that pain — the infected stuff in the tooth.

An Extraction is Better

Preserving your natural teeth is one of the major goals of every good dentist. While teeth can be replaced with implants and dentures, none of those will work as well as your natural tooth, regardless of how good a replacement it might be. Once a natural tooth has undergone a root canal and restoration, it will last your lifetime, in all but the rarest of cases. In addition, the recovery period for a root canal is often shorter than that of an extraction.

Tooth Pain Signals a Root Canal

Pain in the mouth or gums can come from a wide variety of sources and very few of them call for a root canal. Cavities are usually the cause of pain in a tooth or gum area and that, if caught early, can be remedied with a filling. Other potential issues that cause pain are sensitive teeth, gum disease, abscesses, infections, and even sinus problems. Speak to a dentist before you jump to conclusions about the root cause of your mouth pain.

What to Expect

Before the day of the root canal, you will have discussed anesthesia and how to get ready for the procedure. After the anesthesia is administered, the tooth is blocked off using a dental dam. The infected pulp is removed, and the space is cleaned out. The area is cleaned with antibacterial medication.

What happens next depends on what is left of your natural tooth. In most cases, a temporary crown (false tooth) is fitted to your existing tooth. Eventually, a permanent crown is placed on top of your damaged natural tooth to protect and preserve it.

Talk to a local dentist service such as Bremen Family Dentistry, PC  to find out more about root canal treatments.

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