Root canals have a bad reputation, but they’re actually a common and essential dental procedure. They aim to eliminate tooth infections and prevent damage from spreading to the surrounding teeth. While modern treatments ensure patients can achieve a smooth and relatively painless process, many myths scare people from proceeding with their root canal surgery.
In this article, we’ll aim to help you tell facts from fiction regarding root canal treatments, so you can be more informed with your decisions and feel at ease. But before we dive into the myths that cloud your judgement when it comes to getting root canals, it helps to break down the basics of the procedure first.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat an infection at the root of a tooth. The infection can be caused by several things, including decay, a tooth crack, or a mouth injury. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause pain, swelling, tooth loss, and even bone loss in the affected area.
To that end, a root canal is often necessary to save the infected tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the diseased tissue inside your tooth’s root canal system. The empty space will then be cleaned and sealed off to prevent future infections.
Dispelling the Common Root Canal Myths
Myth #1: Root Canal is a Painful Procedure
Root canal treatment is often feared because of the myths and rumors that circulate about it. Some people may believe that root canal therapy is painful, but this isn’t usually the case. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the treatment. And once it’s complete, you may experience minor discomfort for a day or two as your mouth heals.
Root canal therapy is an effective way to treat infections in the tooth’s root canal system, and it’s usually a successful treatment option. In most cases, patients who undergo root canal therapy experience relief from their symptoms and no further problems with their teeth.
Myth #2: Root Canal can Cause Diseases
There is a lot of misinformation about root canals out there, and one of the most common myths is that they can cause diseases. This is simply not true, as root canals are one of the most common dental procedures and are incredibly safe.
Root canals are an effective way to treat dental problems. They are used to treat infections or inflammation in the tooth pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerve endings and blood vessels. If left untreated, an infection or inflammation in the pulp can cause pain and other problems. A root canal removes the infected or inflamed pulp, preventing further damage to the tooth.
Myth #3: It’s Better to Pull the Infected Tooth than Save It through Root Canal
Some people may choose to extract a tooth rather than have a root canal because they believe that root canals are painful or risky procedures, but that can do more harm than good. Here’s why: when a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread from the tooth to the gums and other parts of the mouth.
If left untreated, this infection can even spread to other parts of the body. A root canal removes the infection from the inside of the tooth, which helps keep it from spreading any further.
In some cases, a tooth may need to be pulled if it is severely damaged or if there is no way to save it through a root canal. However, in most cases, a root canal is a much better option than pulling out an infected tooth.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Root Canal and Not Letting Misinformation Keep You from Getting the Right Dental Treatment
A root canal is a necessary dental treatment that should not be avoided due to misinformation. This procedure can save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted. Despite the treatment being portrayed as a bloody and scary procedure, the reality is that root canals are a safe and effective way to treat infected or damaged teeth.
If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal, don’t let the fear of this treatment keep you from getting the care you need. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and ask questions until you understand the procedure and what to expect.
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