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Blog Post
6 Root Canal Myths and Their Truths
- By Admin
- •
- 08 Dec, 2017
Root canals are necessary when the soft tissue known as dental pulp has been damaged but the tooth remains intact. A root canal saves the tooth and keeps your smile looking its best. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about root canals that may make some patients hesitant. In this blog, we'll address some of the common myths associated with root canals.
1. Root Canals Are Painful
The biggest false belief is that having a root canal is extremely painful. In reality, root canals are designed to address the pain you feel from any infection or inflammation within the pulp chamber. Dentists have become well informed in the use of anesthetics, and as a result, patients are kept comfortable from the beginning of the procedure to the end.
For a few days after the root canal, patients may notice that their tooth is a little sensitive. Sensitivity can be easily treated with an over-the counter pain medication and the temporary use of a sensitive toothpaste.
2. Root Canals Take Multiple Visits
While it's true that root canals were originally done over the course of several visits, technology advanced during the 90s, making it possible to have a complete root canal treatment in a single visit. Single-visit root canals are now the norm, although there are some cases that still require two visits.
If your dentist feels that two visits are needed, he or she will first focus on cleaning and shaping the tooth, and the following visit will be for filling and sealing the tooth.
3. It's Better to Have the Tooth Extracted
According to the American Association of Endodontists, a tooth that has been properly treated and restored tooth will last as long as the rest of your teeth, which completely debunks the myth that it is better to schedule an extraction than a root canal.
In fact, if you have your tooth pulled, then you'll need to go through further dental treatments to have an implant put in its place. Individuals who are against implants would still need to go through the process of obtaining a flipper denture to take the place of the missing tooth.
4. Root Canals Are Costly
Patients who have dental insurance plans will find that a large portion of the procedure is generally covered. Medicaid even covers the cost of a root canal in many states. Even if you are not fortunate enough to have an insurance plan that covers a root canal, the procedure is much less costly than the alternatives, such as an extraction with a subsequent implant or flipper denture.
5. Root Canals Kill Your Teeth
Root canals absolutely do not kill your teeth. They actually remain very much alive. A root canal involves the cleaning of the canals inside the root of the tooth. Patients will still have all of the nerves and blood vessels, which are essential for alerting the body to any future problems with the tooth. For example, if the area becomes inflamed, the nerve will send a pain signal to your brain to make you aware.
6. If I'm Not in Pain I Don't Need the Root Canal
It is definitely a bad idea to skip a root canal simply because you are not feeling any pain. The Mayo Clinic points out that forgoing the procedure can result in a serious bacterial infection or tooth abscess, which can lead to bone loss or even the need for a tooth extraction.
Whether you need a deep cleaning or reconstructive dentistry, contact Sparks Dental. Our team of professionals is dedicated to making your comfort our priority. We even offer same-day services in the case of emergencies.
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