5 Root Canal Myths Exposed
When it comes to root canal therapy, there are several common misconceptions that people tend to have. This treatment has been around for nearly two centuries but it has come a long way throughout the years!
Outlining the truth about root canals, and addressing some of the myths revolving around this procedure may help answer some of your questions and give you a better understanding of what endodontic treatment is capable of accomplishing.
Myth #1: Root canal treatment removes the roots of your tooth
Due to the name of the procedure, the assumption is often made that during root canal therapy, the dentist removes the infected roots from your tooth. While the majority of the treatment does take place within the roots, they themselves remain intact. It’s actually the nerve canals which run within the roots that are cleaned out and then sealed off.
Myth #2: Root canal treatment hurts
Bad news tends to travel faster than good. While some teeth that are severely infected can cause root canal therapy to be more difficult and challenging to numb, the majority of procedures are completed comfortably.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the nerves around the treatment area. It’s very effective at preventing discomfort. Furthermore, there are other sedation options available to help you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the process.
If you’re concerned with feeling pain during your treatment, be sure to mention it to our Mesa, Arizona dentist. We’ll do everything we can to ensure that you have an uneventful procedure.
Myth #3: It’s better to just extract your tooth
Our teeth serve many purposes. Having one pulled can affect your mouth in many ways. For example, getting a tooth extracted will leave you with extra space in your mouth. Your other teeth will start to lean in to try to fill in the gap. Just one missing tooth can have a significant impact on your smile, causing openings between all your teeth. This situation will also affect your chewing capability, TMJ function, gum health, and make cleaning your teeth more difficult.
In addition, your face can look sunken in due to missing teeth and wrinkles become more prevalent. The loss of teeth also causes the remaining ones to have to work harder and puts more strain on them. Eventually they could become traumatized from overuse.
Myth #4: Once a root canal is over, your tooth is good forever
The first step to ensuring a successful root canal is making sure that it’s being performed by a reputable dentist like Dr. Vihn Huyn, DMD of Mesa, Arizona. This treatment needs to be completed with great precision and skill. If a root canal is done properly, then the likelihood of it failing is extremely low.
The structure of the tooth can also affect the outcome of your root canal. If there is a significant amount of tooth structure gone, there were cracks evident, or atypical anatomy, the treatment length can vary.
Also, if you don’t take care of the tooth properly, bacteria can re-enter and cause another infection. Keeping the tooth clean is key to ensuring the best outcome.
Myth #5: “I’m not in pain. I don’t need a root canal.”
For many patients, being in significant pain is a sign that root canal therapy is a necessity. However, not feeling discomfort isn’t a deal breaking. Sometimes, the nerve of a tooth dies, preventing you from feeling pain at all. In this case an infection can often times be spotted by looking at an X-ray of the tooth.
On some occasions, people won’t complain of pain, but they will notice a pimple on their gums or describe a bad taste in their mouth. Usually, this means there is a fistula (abscess) present, which is a cyst that’s draining from the tip of the root, relieving pressure. Most fistulas tend to come and go, but that doesn’t mean the infection is gone. Even if you need an initial antibiotic, a root canal is the only option to prevent constant re-infection.
Look for signs of tooth discoloration. When a dental nerve dies, teeth tend to get darker in color, appearing slightly brown.
Root Canal Therapy in Mesa, AZ
If you want to the best chances of having successful root canal therapy, then plan to visit Eastport Dental. Our highly skilled team will ensure that you’re treated like a member of our own family. If you need a root canal or any other dental treatment, give us a call. We offer comprehensive restorative care for all ages.
