Myths and urban legends can be fun around a campfire, but when it comes to your oral health scary stories and misinformation can be downright dangerous. If you’ve been told you need a root canal but are hesitant to green-light the procedure because of rumors you may have heard, here are a few common misconceptions about them, and their truths. Because no tall tale should ever get in the way of protecting your health!
Myth #1 Root Canals Are Painful
Root canals get a bad rap as being painful because many people are already in a great deal of discomfort prior to even getting the procedure. The treatment itself will be done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing. Once this wears off, you may experience mild sensitivity for a week or so after, however this should be less severe than the pain of your tooth pre-treatment, and it will gradually get better every day.
Pain can also be treated with either an over-the-counter pain medicine, or with a prescription from your dentist.
Myth #2 Root Canals Cause Cancer
No, they do not. This rumor spread quickly online, but the truth is that studies have found no evidence to support it. What they have found, however, is that patients who have had multiple endodontic treatments had a 45 percent lower risk of cancer than those who have not!
Myth #3 You Only Need a Root Canal if Your Tooth Hurts
While unfortunately, many tooth infections cause pain, there are many others that do not. In fact, you may not even know your tooth is infected if your dentist didn’t tell you. But make no mistake, just because it doesn’t hurt yet doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Leaving an infected tooth untreated can cause the infection to spread to your other teeth and beyond. This can result in lost teeth as well as serious and even fatal infections throughout your body!
Myth #4 An Extraction is Better Than a Root Canal
It is never better to lose a tooth than it is to keep it, and this isn’t just about aesthetics. Your teeth serve many important functions, including allowing you to chew a variety of healthy foods, keeping your other teeth in alignment, and preventing your jawbones from deteriorating. Your dentist will make all reasonable efforts to save an otherwise healthy tooth, however, should you require an extraction it is always recommended that you replace it with a dental implant or other prosthetic.
Remember, nobody wants to need a root canal, but rest assured if you do, the procedure is perfectly safe and designed to relieve your pain, save your tooth, and prevent the spread of infection. If you have any questions or concerns about this treatment, do not hesitate to contact your dentist for further information.
About Our Practice
At Elwood Avenue Dental, we’re pretty proud to report that our patients enjoy coming to see us. Now, when was the last time you heard anyone say that about going to the dentist? We believe it’s because each and every patient that walks through our door is treated with kindness, compassion, and zero judgment. With our team, you’re never another number, and we’re always here to help you make educated decisions about your oral health that will help you live a long, healthy, and happy life.
To schedule a root canal, please visit our website or call us today at 918-299-2298.