If you are one of the millions of people who experience tooth pain or fear having a root canal, you may be surprised to learn that root canal therapy is not as bad as you think. In fact, it is a safe and common dental procedure that can relieve your pain and save your tooth. In this blog post, we will dispel some of the myths about root canals and explain what to expect during treatment.
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or infection. The procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth, cleansing the area, and filling it with a special material. Root canal therapy is often necessary when the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected. This can happen as a result of decay, a cracked tooth, or an injury.
There are seven common myths about root canals:
Myth #1: They Hurt
Many people believe that root canal therapy is painful, but this is not true. In fact, the procedure is usually no more painful than having a filling. The majority of patients report feeling relief from their pain after the procedure. The pain that most people associate with root canals is actually due to inflammation caused by a pulp infection.
Myth #2: Root Canal Therapy Makes You Sick
There is no evidence to support the claim that root canal therapy makes you sick. In fact, the opposite is true. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue from your tooth, which helps to prevent further infection.
Myth #3: Root Canal Therapy Removes the Tooth Roots
During the procedure, the dentist removes the damaged tissue from inside the tooth. The roots of your tooth are not affected and remain intact.
Myth #4: I Don’t Need a Root Canal Because I Feel No Pain
Just because you don’t feel pain does not mean that you don’t need a root canal. The damage to your tooth may not be severe enough to cause pain. However, it is important to remove a pulp infection before it gets worse.
Myth #5: Teeth Usually Need to Be Extracted After a Root Canal
In most cases, teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy can be saved. In fact, the majority of teeth that have had a root canal are still in place after five years. In some cases, however, an extraction may be needed if the infection is severe and root canal therapy fails.
Myth #6: There is No Sensation in the Affected Tooth After a Root Canal
After the procedure, you may feel some soreness in your tooth. However, this is usually temporary and will go away within a few days. After your tooth heals, you will still be able to “feel” the tooth thanks to the nerves in the tissues around the tooth roots. However, you will not experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet since there is no longer a nerve inside the tooth.
Myth #7: I Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist After Having a Root Canal
It is important to visit your dentist for regular checkups, even if you have had a root canal. Your dentist will monitor your tooth and make sure that it is healing properly.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have dispelled some of the myths about root canals. If you are experiencing tooth pain or think you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to treat your tooth and relieve your pain.
