Have you heard any horror or scary stories about root canal treatment? Your friend could have told you it hurts a lot, or you read something that made you worried. Well, guess what? Most of what you’ve heard is probably not true! If you visit a trusted dental clinic downtown, you can get the real facts and proper care. Let’s talk about the real facts and clear up these common myths about root canal treatment.
What Actually Is Root Canal Therapy?
Within each of your teeth is a soft section called the pulp. This pulp has nerves and blood vessels that help your tooth grow. This pulp can sometimes become infected because the decay is deep or the tooth is cracked. The dentist will clean the infection from your teeth and save the tooth. That’s what root canal therapy near you does: it saves your natural tooth!
Common Myths About Root Canal Therapy Debunked
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
Many people have a root canal fear because they think the procedure will hurt a lot. The truth? Root canal therapy actually stops your pain, not causes it. The local anesthetic used by your dentist numbs a specific area so you don’t feel pain. The majority of patients say it is like a regular filling. The treated tooth is not painful; in fact, the tooth that is infected is painful.
Myth #2: It’s Better to Just Pull Out the Tooth
Some individuals consider tooth extraction an easier alternative than undergoing a root canal. However, this is a mistake, as the optimal decision is to retain your natural tooth. When a tooth is lost, the other teeth may shift, so as time goes by, you have to get expensive replacements like implants or bridges. Having a dental procedure to remove the pulp tissues inside the tooth is commonly referred to as root canal therapy.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illness in Other Parts of Your Body
You may have come across internet posts linking root canals with illness. This myth is based on very old research from almost 100 years ago that was proven wrong. Modern dental research shows that root canal therapy is safe and does not cause diseases in any part of the body. Actually, taking the infection out of your tooth benefits your whole health!
Signs You Need a Root Canal
How do you know if you need root canal therapy? Watch for these signs
| Warning Sign | What It Means |
| Severe toothache | Pain when chewing or pressure on the tooth |
| Long-lasting sensitivity | Hot or cold feelings that stay after the drink or food is gone |
| Swollen gums | Gums that look puffy near one tooth |
| Tooth discoloration | A tooth that turns darker than the others |
| Gum pimple | A small bump on your gums that won’t go away |
If you notice any of these signs, search for “root canal therapy near you” and visit a dental clinic quickly.
Myth #4: Root Canal Treatment Takes Many Visits
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two visits to your dentist. Today’s modern technology allows dentists to work faster and more efficiently. Each visit usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Here are some benefits of root canal treatment:
- The procedure eliminates the infection that is causing your toothache.
- When you get a root canal treatment, you save your natural tooth and do not need a crown or anything else done on it.
- No one will suspect you had the treatment done.
- It stops infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Usually cheaper than extracting and replacing a tooth.
Root Canal Fear Facts
Still nervous? Here are some facts that might help with your root canal fear. Modern dentistry has advanced a lot. Dentists use digital X-rays to see what they’re doing. They utilize specialized tools so that the process is quick and easier. Most dental clinics offer sedation to help you and ease your anxiety during treatment.
The Bottom Line
Root canal therapy isn’t something to be scared of. Millions of teeth are saved every year because of this dental procedure. The myths you’ve heard are either outdated or simply untrue. If your dentist says you need a root canal, they are likely right. They want to assist you in making your natural smile pain-free and healthy. Do not let false information stop you from getting the treatment you need.
Preserve Your Natural Teeth with Root Canal Therapy!
Stephen Avenue Dental Choice helps you save your natural teeth with safe and effective root canal therapy. Our expert dental professionals clean the infected pulp, remove the infection, and seal it off. We do everything possible to keep the process easy and comfortable for you.
Don’t wait until the pain gets worse. Call us to book your appointment today and keep your smile healthy.
