Debunking 5 Common Myths About Root Canals

During your regular dental checkup, your dentist mentions that you might require root canal therapy. If this is the first time you’ve heard this, you might feel overwhelmed or anxious about it. After all, there are plenty of reports and stories about this specific procedure that can rattle you up. However, many of these can simply be misconceptions about this tooth-saving treatment. Keep reading to learn the truth behind five common myths about root canals.

#1: You Only Need It If There’s Pain

While this might make sense at first glance, allowing decay to advance over time will make the situation much worse in the long run. If left unchecked, the infection can end up damaging the nerves, meaning you won’t feel any pain. Just because you don’t feel discomfort anymore doesn’t mean you’ve improved, as the bacteria can still spread to your gums and jawbone. Not getting a root canal can result in tooth and/or bone loss.

#2: Root Canal Therapy Can Cause Illness

Though some people may suggest root canals can lead to illness, it simply isn’t true. Many of these reports were solely based on poorly designed and debunked research that was done about a century ago. Even now, there isn’t any valid scientific evidence that root canal therapy relates to or leads to other bodily diseases.

#3: Root Canals Are Painful

One of the most common assumptions is that root canal therapy is a painful procedure. Although this may have been true in the past, the treatment is much more comfortable thanks to modern technology and anesthetics. Most patients even claim the process felt no worse than getting a dental filling. Once you’ve undergone root canal treatment, you can be sure to enjoy a pain-free smile!

#4: It Provides Temporary Benefits

The benefits you get from root canals are long-lasting. This procedure can quickly alleviate painful toothaches and preserve the majority of your healthy, natural smile. You’ll likely receive a final restoration, such as a dental crown, to strengthen and protect your affected tooth. With proper care, you can expect to appreciate good oral health for many years to come.

#5: Extraction Is Better Than a Root Canal

It may seem convenient at first to extract an infected or painful tooth. However, you’ll have to consider the long-term complications that come with losing one. Not only will a missing tooth lead to bone loss, but you’ll also have to worry about tooth-replacement options, which can become costly over time. So, if your dentist says they can save your pearly whites with root canal therapy, make sure to undergo the treatment.

Now that these common myths have been debunked, you should have nothing to worry about when it comes time for your treatment. Speak with your dentist if you have further questions, and they’ll be glad to review the advantages of root canal therapy on your smile!

About the Practice

Harris Parkway Dental Care offers excellent and passionate dental services for Fort Worth, TX and the surrounding communities. With their expert team of dental hygienists, they provide a wide collection of treatments, from dental checkups to emergency care. If you want to know more about your dental hygienist, visit our website or call us at 817-423-2223.