Root canal treatment is a dental procedure involving the removal of infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth. A dentist may recommend this treatment if they detect signs of fairly widespread infection or inflammation.
Even if a dentist recommends a root canal treatment, a patient might hesitate to schedule an appointment for this procedure. Sometimes, this is because the patient has fallen prey to one of several misconceptions about root canals. Examples of myths about root canals include the following:
Myth: Root Canal Treatment is Painful
Many people believe a root canal causes significant discomfort and pain both during and after the procedure. Their fear of pain may even cause them to put off the treatment for longer than they should.
It’s easy to understand such concerns. However, it’s also worth noting that advances in dental techniques and technology have substantially reduced the level of discomfort most patients experience when getting a root canal. Studies indicate that during the procedure and in the days following treatment, typically, a patient will only experience mild discomfort, most commonly managed with over an over-the-counter pain medication (Advil or Tylenol) if necessary.
You can always discuss this topic in greater detail with your dentist if you worry about pain from a root canal. Dentists understand these fears, and can help ease them by explaining what patients should expect during and after certain procedures and customizing care for each individual.
Myth: Tooth Extraction is Preferable to a Root Canal
A successful root canal will preserve a patient’s natural tooth. Although patients with missing teeth have a variety of options from which to choose when deciding how to potentially replace them (such as dental implants or a bridge), ideally, a patient will never have to consider these options because their natural set of teeth will remain fully intact.
Extracting a tooth instead of performing a root canal adds more steps to the treatment process than necessary. After an extraction, a patient will likely want to move forward with additional treatment to replace their lost tooth.
Avoiding this is as simple as preserving the tooth via root canal treatment. Benefits of preserving a tooth instead of removing it include:
- Preserving a patient’s natural smile
- Ensuring a patient doesn’t experience difficulty with chewing and speaking
- Saving a patient’s time and money
Myth: Root Canal ‘Kills’ a Tooth
Some patients mistakenly believe extracting a tooth is preferable to a root canal because they believe performing a root canal essentially kills a tooth. This isn’t the case.
During a root canal, a dentist will remove the infected pulp. They will not remove the root itself. They leave the overall structure of the tooth intact, ensuring that with proper care, it will continue to function as it should.
Ask Your Dentist About Root Canals
The above are just some of the most common myths about root canals. If you have any more questions about this treatment, talk to your dentist about them. The more you understand what a root canal involves, the more comfortable you may feel with this treatment option. Our office is equipped with advanced technology and imaging to ensure your comfort and safety while receiving the highest quality care.
Learn More About Root Canals in Westbury, NY
At JM Dental of Westbury, our team is always happy to answer patients’ questions about root canals and all other dentistry-related topics. Call us at 516-334-3444 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.