Even though root canal treatment is a crucial part of dentistry because it saves many people’s teeth, there have been misconceptions about it for many years. People tend to fear the procedure and avoid having it done when dentists recommend it. Many patients wait until they are in severe pain and are desperate for relief by the time they follow the dentist’s advice. Let’s address the misconceptions.
Root canal treatment is painful.
The pulp of a tooth may become infected or damaged and require removal in order to save the tooth. Treatment involves getting to the center of the tooth where the pulp is located, removing damaged tissue, cleaning and sealing the area, and often crowning the remaining tooth. Anesthesia is used during treatment, and most patients say that root canal treatment feels no different than getting a regular filling.
Tooth extraction is a better choice.
Dentists almost always advise saving a tooth rather than extracting it. Although there are restoration options, nothing is exactly the same as having your natural tooth. If you do have a tooth extracted, misalignment becomes an issue due to the space vacated by a missing tooth. Also, artificial teeth can have certain limitations like changes in diet, dental hygiene routines, comfort, and other issues.
You don’t need root canal treatment unless you’re in pain.
Since many patients delay seeing the dentist until pain is present, it is true that there is often pain when root canal problems are diagnosed and treatment is recommended. However, issues with your tooth pulp can be identified during routine dental checkups. This may occur before pain begins. The dentist may advise root canal therapy as soon as it is determined that it is the best treatment plan.
You are more susceptible to illness after root canal treatment.
Claims exist that root canal treatment contributes to disease or illness in the body afterwards. There is actually no evidence suggesting that this treatment is linked to such problems. Root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to eliminate bacteria in an infected root canal, as well as preventing future infection of the tooth.
