Deborah S. Bishop, DMD Blog

For one reason or another, root canals have gotten a pretty bad reputation among patients. Some people absolutely dread the procedure, when the reality is that root canals can be a great way to relieve a painful toothache.

If you want to know a little more, here are some of the most common myths about root canal treatments, and why they aren’t what they seem.

If you have an upcoming root canal, you might be feeling a little nervous—but this procedure is absolutely nothing you need to worry about and something you won’t regret undergoing at all! In fact, root canals are quite useful when it comes to treating compromised teeth and aren’t particularly painful or frightening at all. Here are three reasons from your dentist that should inspire confidence about the treatment.

Have you been told by your dentist that you need a root canal? Fortunately, root canals aren’t painful like they’re portrayed in movies and TV shows. Root canals actually relieve the discomfort that you’ve been experiencing. However, many patients are worried about the cost of their treatment. There are numerous factors that contribute to the cost of root canal therapy. Continue reading to learn what they are so you know what you can expect.

Root canal therapy is not anyone’s first choice, but if you need one, it’s actually great news – it means that the affected tooth can be saved. Retaining your natural tooth has a number of benefits, including helping you keep more of your pearly whites healthy and right where they should be for years to come. 

Dental emergencies can be incredibly stressful. In addition to the pain and the damage to the mouth, there’s also the uncertainty of how the issue is ultimately going to be dealt with. The treatment you receive depends on your situation, so the only way to know for sure what to expect is to schedule an emergency appointment. Nevertheless, knowing about procedures that are commonly performed for a dental emergency can help keep you calm. Below are 4 examples of common emergency treatments.

A root canal is a procedure that your dentist may recommend if you have a tooth that is too damaged to fix with a simple filling or crown. Believe it or not, if you need a root canal, that is actually good news because it means your natural tooth can still be saved.

Root canals are routine procedures that are performed inside your dentist’s office. The recovery period should not take more than a few days – but you may experience side effects that are common with any oral procedure during that time. Keep reading to learn more about what is normal following a root canal and what may be cause for concern. 

If you are like most adults, you likely visit a general dentist for routine services, like cleanings and checkups. They have the experience and qualifications to prevent, diagnose, and treat a variety of issues to preserve your natural smile. Although they are skilled in their profession, some cases can exceed their qualifications. Instead, you might be referred to an endodontist to have your tooth rehabilitated. While they may offer many of the same services, there are significant differences between a dentist and an endodontist. 

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Do you have a tooth that’s been causing you a lot of trouble? When you end up with a nagging toothache, it’s important that you see your dentist as soon as you can to get to the bottom of the issue before it gets worse. However, you may be hesitant about what type of treatment you want to commit to. An extraction may sound easier, but you don’t want to show off a smile with gaps in it either. Continue reading to learn more about root canal therapy and extractions so you can make an informed decision.

Perhaps the most common thing your dentist hears – after basic questions like how often to brush and floss – is “Are root canals painful?” If you are asking yourself the same question in anticipation of an upcoming appointment, then you’ll be happy to read that, while root canals have a bad reputation, the truth is you shouldn’t feel a thing. Keep reading to learn more about root canals, including how your dentist keeps you comfortable during this common procedure.