5 Myths About Root Canals

If your endodontist or dentist recommends a root canal, don’t listen to the myths that continue to surround this common procedure. Today’s root canals are painless and necessary to save teeth.

At Innovative Endodontics, we work hard to change the reputation of root canal therapy by providing them with exceptional care. We also want to educate our patients about the procedure by debunking the top 5 myths about root canals.

1. Myth: Root Canals Hurt

The biggest myth about root canals is that they hurt. In fact, some people feel so afraid of this mythical discomfort that they avoid going to a dentist or endodontist for treatment.

Today, endodontists use multiple ways to prevent discomfort in their patients during a root canal. First, they will numb your tooth and gums to avoid discomfort in the area during treatment. Once this local anesthetic takes effect, you should not feel anything during the process.

Second, the recovery time after root canals is only a few days. Discomfort does happen after the procedure. However, the levels of discomfort are so low that most people only need ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control it for one or two days. Plus, after the initial couple of days, most people stop taking over-the-counter pain medicine since only minor pressure and sensitivity remain. These final symptoms of recovery resolve within a week or two.

If you have tooth discomfort that prompts you to get a root canal, the procedure will help to stop the source of the discomfort by removing the infection in your tooth.

2. Myth: Root Canals Cause Cancer

For unknown reasons, some people associate root canal therapy with cancer. However, nothing could be further from the truth. There is no connection to cancer from having any type of endodontic treatment, including root canals. In fact, according to the American Association of Endodontists, those who have had several endodontic procedures have a 45% lower risk of cancer.

Taking care of yourself, including getting recommended endodontic treatments, is always a good option for your well-being.

3. Myth: You Must Have Tooth Discomfort to Have a Root Canal

People often need root canals to stop infections inside the tooth that cause heightened sensitivity to temperatures and discomfort when biting down. But you don’t need to have discomfort for an endodontist to recommend a root canal.

Root canal therapy cleans out bacteria from the interior of a tooth. How those germs got into the tooth can play a part in whether you feel discomfort. For example, you may feel discomfort from decay that extends into a tooth over several weeks. However, a traumatized tooth may need root canal therapy to treat due to damage to the tooth roots, even if you don’t feel discomfort.

Therefore, even if you don’t have discomfort or symptoms in your tooth, you may still need a root canal.

By having a root canal, regardless of discomfort level, your endodontist can save your tooth from loss and help you to keep a healthy smile.

4. Myth: Root Canals Spread Infection

Endodontists understand the need to remove the infection from inside a tooth without impacting the rest of the body. They use dental dams to block off the rest of your mouth when doing root canals. These devices protect  your airway, keep cleaning solutions inside the tooth, and it is the standard of a root canal. 

If you avoid a root canal, the bacteria can cause loss of supporting bone and a possible abscess. No scientific evidence links root canals to systemic infections. In fact, getting a root canal can protect you from the infection in your tooth from spreading elsewhere. Additionally, endodontists do such a good job of removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth that generally, antibiotics are not indicated. 

5. Myth: The Root Canal Kills the Tooth

Finally, a big myth about root canals is that they kill the tooth. What is true about this procedure is the removal of the nerve. Removing it gets rid of the infected parts of the pulp while still allowing the tooth to continue to function normally.

Nothing can compare to the look and feel of your natural teeth. Having a root canal doesn’t kill the affected tooth but allows you to keep it and avoid the pricey alternative of extractions, implants, or bridges.

The Facts About Root Canals

If you need a root canal, the only alternative option is to get the tooth pulled. This method removes the tooth from your mouth, leaving you with an empty space or the option to have an implant or bridge. This pricey route can lead to more discomfort in your mouth and wallet than having a root canal. The fact is that compared to an extraction and artificial replacement for your tooth, root canals cost less and take less time.

Root canals are safe and painless. However, due to the numerous myths that surround this procedure, many patients feel anxiety about having it. Talk to your endodontist if you have concerns about getting a root canal. They will help you to feel comfortable and informed before, during, and after the treatment.

You may need a root canal if you have tooth trauma, a cracked tooth, or dental pain. Talk to an endodontist to find out the proper treatment to save your tooth. You deserve a complete, healthy smile, and root canal therapy can help you have it.

Come See Us at Innovative Endodontics When You Need Root Canal Therapy

If you have tooth discomfort or had a dentist tell you that you need a root canal, come see us at Innovative Endodontics. We’ll ensure that you have a comfortable, painless experience throughout your visit, including during the root canal procedure. We’re changing the perception of root canals one patient at a time. Let us help you to see the truth about this essential, pain-free procedure that can save your tooth. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.