HAVE YOU EVER said “I’d rather get a root canal” when asked to perform a daunting task? Our culture tends to paint root canal therapy in a scary and unpleasant light, which doesn’t help the millions of people who struggle with dental anxiety and fear seek the treatment they need. Today we want to focus on debunking the three biggest myths we hear about root canal therapy. We want our patients to be fully informed about this tooth-saving treatment.
This is simply not true. A tooth extraction may seem like a quick and easy solution, but it will have long-lasting consequences, including the need for a replacement tooth, increased risk of jaw bone loss, and the potential for shifting teeth. No replacement tooth yet exists that can do a better job of being a tooth than your own natural tooth. Extraction should be a last resort, not the easy way out.
There is no scientific evidence to support the notion that root canal therapy can make a patient sick. This myth likely stems from incorrect claims in the early 1900s that root canal therapy would lead to systemic illness, and the myth spread so far and wide in the following decades that countless teeth were pulled when they could have been saved by endodontic treatment. Endodontic treatment is about removing diseased tissue from inside the tooth. Not treating it is what can cause the infection to spread and endanger the patient’s life.
While the idea of root canal therapy may be intimidating, modern endodontic techniques have made the procedure more comfortable than ever before. With advancements in anesthesia, patients can expect to feel little to no pain during the procedure. In fact, most patients report that the pain they experienced before the procedure due to their infected tooth was much worse than any discomfort felt during root canal therapy. Modern endodontic technology has also made the procedure quicker and more efficient, reducing the amount of time a patient spends in the chair.
Don’t let myths and anxiety prevent you from getting the treatment you need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Root canal therapy can save a natural tooth, restore oral health, and alleviate pain. It is a safe and effective treatment, and modern techniques have made it a more comfortable experience for patients.
If you are experiencing dental pain or other oral health issues, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you need root canal therapy, they will likely refer you to the specialists: endodontists. Endodontists are dental specialists with advanced training in root canal therapy and can provide the highest level of care for your dental needs.
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