One of the most understood treatments in dental care might be the root canal. It’s often a term that sparks immediate fear in patients. Much of what people believe simply isn’t true. At New Image Dental in Inglewood, CA, we regularly hear concerns based on outdated or misleading information. Let’s debunk these root canal myths and set the record straight. You’ll feel more confident about the dental care you need
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of dental procedure that is used to treat infected or damaged teeth. Soft tissues called pulp are inside your teeth and they contain blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling. During a root canal, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the space is filled and sealed to prevent future infection. The end result is to save your natural tooth and restore functionality to what you had before.
Root Canal Myth #1: Root Canals Are Too Painful
Root canals aren’t more painful than your ordinary filling that would need done. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area and nerves around the tooth to help ensure our patients don’t feel pain. Patients who feel more anxious might opt for sedation. A root canal involves removing infected nerves inside the tooth to avoid future problems. You will feel better after the procedure is over.
Reality: Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure, and sedation options are available for those who feel anxious. The goal of a root canal is to remove infection and relieve pain and give you a better quality of life.
Root Canal Myth #2 : Root Canals Are A Long Procedure
Another one of the big root canal myths is root canals are a drawn-out, surgical procedure. That couldn’t be any further from the truth. Average root canals can take under an hour to complete, and even more complex ones take about 90 minutes. There are different factors that affect the length of the procedure, (like size of teeth and location), but it’s normally something we complete within a two-hour time frame.
Reality: Root canals are not long, complicated surgeries. They’re routine dental procedures that are often completed in under an hour. They are less time-consuming than people realize.
Root Canal Myth #3: It’s Better To Just Pull The Tooth
Some people believe it’s easier or cheaper to extract a tooth rather than go through a root canal. This myth leads many to choose removal without fully understanding the long-term consequences. Extraction may provide immediate relief, but you might have increased difficulty chewing later on or have shifting teeth.
Reality: Saving your natural tooth with a root canal helps preserve the alignment of your bite and prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Root Canal Myth # 4: Root Canals Cause Illness
One of the more concerning root canal myths is believing it could make you sick. Some of these misperceptions include causing systemic conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, or even arthritis. This outdated idea still causes unnecessary fear for some patients. Root canals are safer than ever before, with qualified dentists who have access to superior dental technology and equipment.
Reality: There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that root canals cause illness or increase the risk of disease. Modern root canals are safe and sterile, done with your safety as a top priority. Avoiding a needed root canal can be more harmful because untreated infections in the mouth can spread and become serious if left alone.
Root Canal Myth #5: You Only Need a Root Canal if You’re in Pain
One of the worst assumptions that can be made is that your tooth is fine only because you don’t feel pain. This myth leads some patients to delay treatment or skip dental visits altogether, thinking everything is fine simply because they’re not experiencing discomfort. Nerves could already be dead which would sometimes not be noticeable.
Reality: Preventative care with routine checkups are a must to ensure you are catching potential problems early with your teeth and gums. Dentists often detect the need for a root canal through X-rays or during routine exams, even when patients have no symptoms.
Unsure if You Need a Root Canal? Let’s Clear Things Up
If root canal myths have made you nervous about treatment, you’re not alone. At New Image Dental in Inglewood, CA, we help patients feel more at ease by separating fact from fiction. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our dental services to get the help you need!