A root canal is necessary when the root of your tooth is infected and requires disinfection. However, the mere mention of the procedure often fills potential patients with dread and anxiety. This reaction is understandable given the numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding root canals, particularly the belief that they are extremely painful and cause immense discomfort.
This blog attempts to debunk all the myths and misconceptions and convince you to get into the dentist’s chair for a root canal in Chandler. Read now!
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is the procedure of removing the infected or decayed pulp to stop the decay and prevent further demage of the tooth root.
The procedure involves creating a small incision in the crown, making space for the pulp removal. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and filled with a gutta-percha filling. The incision is then sealed with a composite dental sealant. Despite its reputation, a root canal can be a relatively straightforward and pain-free process, especially with modern dental techniques.
Debunking Myths About Root Canal
Check out these myths and the truth below:
Myth 1: Root Canal is Painful
It is the most prevalent myth that root canals are painful. The truth is that most pain is caused by a decayed or infected tooth. To stop the pain, a root canal is prescribed.
In modern dentistry, sedation is quite popular. If you feel extreme anxiety and fear in the dentist’s chair, sedation during the procedure is available. In this way, you will experience no pain.
Learn about your options with your dentist before getting a root canal in Chandler.
Myth 2: Root Canal Causes Illness
This is the most absurd myth about the root canal because the root canal is the procedure to remove any potential dental problems and not cause disease. The myth stemmed from outdated research, in which Dr. Price claimed that tooth extraction is better than root canal treatment, as a root canal leads to illness.
Medical science was not as advanced in the 1920s as it is today, and thus, it was hard to ascertain the causes of certain diseases. However, Dr. Price’s claim scared the masses, and the myth took its roots in their fears that root canals cause illness. It is not true, though.
Myth 3: Tooth Extraction is Better Than Root Canal
This is a popular myth, which stems from the belief that if people pull the tooth, it will be far easier.
The reality is that there is no better alternative to a natural tooth. Dentists understand that, and thus, in an attempt to save your natural tooth, prescribe root canals. In this procedure, the filling is enough to maintain the tooth’s integrity.
On the other hand, a tooth extraction means removing the crown and the root of the tooth. To remedy it, a bridge or even a dental implant is sometimes required, which is much more time-consuming and expensive than root canal treatment.
Thus, a root canal is a better option to save your natural tooth.
Myth 4: In Root Canal, The Roots of the Tooth are Removed
It is quite ironic how these myths are spread because the reason for a root canal is an infected pulp, not an infected root. In case the infection reaches the root, a tooth extraction is necessary. In the root canal, only the pulp of the tooth is removed. The infected part is then replaced with gutta-percha to maintain the tooth’s integrity.
So, it is another myth debunked.
Myth 5: No Pain, No Root Canal Needed
It is a common myth that if you don’t have pain in your tooth, you don’t need a root canal.
Sometimes, a routine dental examination might reveal an infected tooth that isn’t causing pain yet. In such cases, the dentist may recommend a root canal treatment and show you the decaying tooth. This debunks the myth that you can only undergo a root canal procedure if you feel pain.
Choosing the Right Dentist in Chandler
A root canal is a complex procedure that is made easy with advanced technology. You need a dentist who is experienced and reputable. They ensure that your natural tooth is saved, and you don’t need an extensive bridge or implant treatment.
Learn more about the technologies they use and the patients they have worked on. Choose only the best dentist for root canals in Chandler.
Conclusion
A root canal is a fairly common treatment procedure that is quite effective and successful in saving the natural teeth of millions of patients worldwide. The number would be even greater if not for the myths and misconceptions around the procedure, but they have been debunked here. If you are not getting treatment because of the myths discussed above or know someone who is doing so, this blog will help you debunk their myths, too.
A root canal is a safe procedure, and you should go for it if you have a decayed tooth.
