Root Canal: Myths and Facts

Root canals are a widely unpopular medical procedure. Because of the pain, time, and cost, many people are reluctant to have them done.

Just because this is an uncomfortable procedure does not mean that it is more painful than other treatments. Dentists have developed a way to make the pain less intense by using numbing agents.

The myths about root canal procedures are based on what some patients may experience with their particular dentist or general anesthesia. It is important to remember that most root canal patients do not need general anesthesia for this reason – it is only when there are complications that sedation may be used.

What Are Root Canals?

Root canals are a dental procedure used to excavate and clean the pulp of the tooth. The word canal refers to the long narrow channel in the tooth that houses the pulp.

Root canal therapy is done when the pulp is infected and causing pain. The primary purpose of endodontic treatment is to stop the spread of the infection and save the tooth.

Root canal treatment starts with an examination and diagnosis of the condition of your teeth and gums. This typically involves checking for signs of decay, such as white spots on teeth or unusual abscesses. The root canal dentist will also look for signs like redness or swelling on your gums or skin around your mouth.

What Are the Myths of Root Canals?

Root canals are often associated with pain and anxiety. But the truth is, they are one of the most common dental procedures that dentists in Calumet City perform.

Myth #1: Root canal treatments are painful

It is difficult to say whether root canals cause more pain than other dental procedures. Some people might not feel any pain, while others might experience discomfort during the procedure. Most people will recover completely from root canal treatment in a few days.

Myth #2: Root canals require several visits to the dentist

Root canal procedures generally take place in one visit to the dentist. Root canals are done under a local anesthetic and generally lasts 30-45 minutes. The procedure saves teeth from being extracted, which would have been necessary if left untreated for a longer period.

Myth #3: Root canals are very dangerous

Root canals have a bad reputation, but they are safe if done by a trained dental professional. Root canals are just as safe as any other type of procedure that requires anesthesia.

The dentist will take all necessary precautions to ensure your protection and comfort during the procedure. Root canals have one of the highest success rates of most treatments in dentistry.

However, a few problems could arise during or after a root canal, such as infection. However, even this is very rare, and the risk is minimized by modern anesthetic techniques that make the procedure comfortable.

Myth# 4: Pulling your teeth is better than a root canal

Root canals are less painful than a tooth extraction, and there is no possibility of dry sockets (painful sockets where your tooth used to be).

Root canal therapy is the treatment of choice for infected teeth, including endodontic infections that originate from the pulp (an abscess). Root canals save teeth and reduce pain; they restore chewing function and prevent tooth loss; they decrease the risk of systemic complications, and most importantly, they can save a person from excruciating pain.

Root canal treatment is much less painful than the removal of your tooth. Remember, once the teeth are pulled, you will need restorative procedures to replace the missing teeth.

Should You Get Root Canal Procedure?

Root canals are often recommended when a patient has inflamed or infected pulp due to deep decay, cracks in the teeth, injuries, or other causes. Root canals are necessary if your toothache does not go away after using home remedies or you have swelling.