Root Canal Treatment Facts
All dentists ultimately become familiar with the misinformation and fear-mongering floating around about the dreaded root canal treatment. Maybe it’s the name, but there is something about this procedure that puts patients on edge.
Dentists understand that dental work makes some patients feel anxious. And we also realize that there is particular mythology surrounding root canal treatments. We work with our patients to help them overcome their nerves. And there is no better antidote to anxiety than accurate information and transparency.
The truth is that root canal treatments are standard endodontic procedures with extremely high success rates. This article will work to dispel a handful of common myths about root canals.
Root Canals Are Sometimes Necessary
If a cavity is left untreated, a root canal treatment could be inevitable. Tooth decay, which results in cavities and other painful and costly issues, should be avoided to ensure positive dental health outcomes.
When tooth decay festers it creates a slew of painful and costly issues. And if you haven’t been visiting your dentist regularly for hygiene appointments, these issues can run amuck. The main goal of a root canal is to save a tooth from these issues.
A root canal becomes necessary when decay has created infection and inflammation of the tooth’s root and pulp. This endodontic treatment prevents the infection from spreading and causing major health complications. And it also addresses the uncomfortable symptoms of swelling and toothache.
Pain Management and Root Canals
There is understandable anxiety surrounding the pain caused by dental procedures like root canals. And root canals have developed a reputation for being unusually painful. Keep in mind that there is nothing more painful than enduring several completely unavoidable procedures because an infected tooth was left to fester!
However, practically speaking, root canals are no more uncomfortable than regular fillings. During the treatment, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Before any procedure, Dr. Lowe will take the time to discuss any concerns his patients have about pain and will make a plan to tackle it accordingly during and after procedures.
Root Canals Do Not Cause Cancer
There are plenty of unsubstantiated claims circulating on the internet and in some fringe documentaries about root canal treatments, and this is one of them. These particular stories originate from century-old speculation that was debunked around the same time.
And the lingering misconception that root canal treatments leave an opening in the tooth is false. Once the infected parts of the tooth are treated, the area is completely sealed using a crown or a similar sealant. You can learn more about crowns here in our article ‘What Are Dental Crowns?’
Modern endodontics plays a crucial role in promoting optimal oral hygiene when general dentistry won’t suffice. No credible, scientific evidence has been gathered to suggest otherwise. More importantly, there is plenty of evidence that root canal treatments play an important role in disease prevention.
Save Teeth With Root Canal Treatment
Success rates for endodontic treatments are very high. And the benefits of a root canal treatment can last for decades, if not an entire lifetime. The primary goal at The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is to preserve our patient’s natural teeth whenever possible.
Certainly, the function, feel, and appearance of natural teeth cannot be exacted. While modern dentistry comes close, its greatest feat is the ability to save natural teeth with procedures like root canals. The infection within is removed and a crown is used to restore the original tooth to its former grandeur.
Root Canal Treatment Myths Busted
So, to recap: Root canals do not cause cancer or more discomfort than a filling. And it is better to save a tooth with root canal treatment than to lose it altogether. These are the top myths surrounding root canal treatment, but there are certainly others out there.
When in doubt, it is best to communicate with your dentist directly about any procedure concerns you may have. Here at The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we go the extra mile to make our patients feel comfortable with their treatment options. Don’t settle for anything less!
Book a Virtual Consultation anytime!
Dr. Ed Lowe
The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
