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When you think of root canals, you may think of comically terrified cartoon characters sweating in a dentist’s chair or even a facetious portrayal of a sadistic dentist. While these representations can be quite funny, they are far from the truth. Modern root canals are comfortable and effective procedures that can spare a patient from pain and tooth extraction while also saving them money on costly dental replacements. Here’s a brief list of common misconceptions about root canals as well as why you have nothing to fear from them.
Misconception #1: Root Canals Are Only Necessary if Your Tooth Hurts
While a severe and throbbing toothache can be a reliable sign that you need to see your dentist for a root canal, a tooth that needs this treatment will not necessarily be in pain. Sometimes, a person will wait with a toothache for quite a long time and find that it suddenly disappears. This is no reason to celebrate. Tooth decay will not get better on its own, and a toothache suddenly disappearing usually means that the infection killed the nerve inside the tooth, thereby cutting off pain signals to the brain. A root canal will still be necessary to preserve the patient’s oral health.
Misconception #2: Root Canals Hurt
Many people are under the false notion that root canals are among the most painful experiences you can go through, but this is certainly not the case. Before beginning your root canal, your endodontist will administer a local anesthetic to the tooth, thereby rendering the entire procedure completely painless. When your treatment is over, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward, but this will fade with time and will be far less unpleasant than continuing to suffer with a toothache.
Misconception #3: Root Canals Can Lead to Illness
The idea that root canals can cause further illness is an old one indeed, and it has been thoroughly debunked. It is believed that it originated with a study published by Dr. Weston A. Price, who was trying to promote tooth extractions over root canals. The truth is that root canals are safe and effective and they eliminate dental infections at their source by removing infected pulp tissue. This can save a tooth from extraction and preserve your dental health for years to come.
You have nothing to fear if your dentist recommends a root canal. These treatments are designed to relieve pain and prevent tooth extractions so you can smile comfortably and beautifully afterward.
About the Author
Dr. Deborah Bishop earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and completed an endodontic residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Alabama Dental Association. Her office in Huntsville, AL offers root canals, apicoectomies, and other endodontic services. To learn more about root canals, contact her practice online or dial (256) 882-5161.