Many people fear root canal treatments and don’t get the treatment as soon as they should. We want to reduce that anxiety by addressing two major myths about root canal treatment.
During root canal or endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Myth: Root canal treatment is painful.
Truth: Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it.
The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago, before modern advances in dental technologies and anesthetics. Today, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. After treatment, most people find that the minor residual pain can be alleviated by common non-prescription medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. By contrast, the infection causing the problem can be very painful and gets worse if left untreated.
Myth: A good alternative to root canal treatment is extraction (pulling the tooth).
Truth: Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option.
Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. If your dentist recommends extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.
Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant. Placement of a bridge or an implant will require significantly more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.
Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles and enhance their enjoyment of life.
At 7 Day Dental our highly skilled endodontists also perform more complex procedures when necessary. If you want to read about some of these procedures, please visit this page: Endodontics