What could be worse than being told you need a root canal? It’s enough to make your stomach drop. Unfortunately, most people become too scared to follow up with the dentist appointment they need to fix the problem.
At our dentist in NW Calgary, we’ve heard patients tell us all kinds of myths that scared them into avoiding their root canals for years. The treatment has received undeserved slander and tons of false misconceptions.
It is time for everyone to put these myths to rest and learn the truth about root canals.
What Is a Root Canal, and When Do I Need One?
Suppose you are experiencing lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, severe pain, swollen gums, “pimples” on your gums, or a cracked or dead tooth. In that case, you will likely need a root canal. A dentist or endodontist can perform the treatment in about 90 minutes.
The procedure itself does not remove the root of the tooth. Instead, your doctor will drill into the tooth and remove the decay and damaged nerves. Treatment saves your natural tooth. Reserving the natural teeth makes it easier to chew, preventing the need for a bridge or implant.
It’s not as horrible as it seems, but the internet says otherwise. Let’s go over the most popular myths about root canals and reveal the truth behind each claim:
Myth #1: Root canals are the most painful dental treatment.
Truth: It can’t be denied; the term “root canal” sounds terrifying. However, the dentist numbs the gums with anesthetics during root canal therapy in NW Calgary. The pain from the numbing injection is usually worse than the procedure itself.
People dread root canals because of a misunderstanding of what they are. Dentists can even prescribe anti-anxiety medication and nitrous oxide (laughing gas), so you will hardly even remember the procedure. Most people can resume work or school the same day as a root canal! The area is sore for a few days, but the pain is nothing debilitating.
Myth #2: I don’t feel pain in the tooth anymore, so I don’t need a root canal.
Truth: When a tooth is sensitive to hot and cold and suddenly the sensitivity stops, it is not because the tooth got better on its own. You can no longer feel anything in that tooth because the tooth has died.
A dead tooth will eventually fall out by itself, but letting it get to this point is very dangerous. A dead tooth can become infected, and that infection can spread. Abscessed teeth can lead to throbbing pain, fever, facial swelling, and if severely neglected, even death.
Myth #3: A root canal is the removal of the tooth’s root.
Truth: When people hear about this procedure, many mistakenly imagine the roots of their teeth being pulled from the gums. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal does not remove the tooth’s root.
Instead, what happens is that the dentist drills into the tooth to remove the pulp, decayed nerve tissue, bacteria, and other debris with root canal files. Think of the canals of the tooth as an ear or waterway canal. The canal is cleaned out and rinsed with sodium hypochlorite. It is a similar feeling to having a filling.
Myth #4: It is better to extract the tooth than to have a root canal.
Truth: It is always best to preserve your natural teeth when possible. After all, you only get one set. Pulling out a tooth leaves a gap where your other teeth can shift and become crooked. Also, missing a tooth can cause bone loss.
If, later down the line, you regret your decision and want to get rid of the gap in your smile, remember that implants and bridges are costly. Pulling a tooth that could otherwise be treated with a root canal might save money in the short term, but it can cause damage in the long run.
Myth #5: Root canal treatment causes illness.
Truth: The most harmful myth is that root canals can cause an increased risk of illness and severe health conditions such as cancer, gastrointestinal issues, heart and liver disease, and arthritis. The origin of this myth dates back a century ago to the 1920s. A researcher, Dr. Weston A. Price, conducted a study and concluded that the bacteria caught in the canals could leak into the body.
This study has long been debunked. It has yet to be able to replicate these results. Another issue is that the tests were conducted in non-sterile environments.
Today, dental clinics have to follow strict standards for disease control and the safety of their staff and patients. For example, all instruments in modern dental clinics are sterilized in an autoclave between each patient. New disposable needles are used on each patient.
Price suggested extractions as a safer alternative to root canal treatment. Root canals have a lower risk than extractions regarding the chance of bacteria entering the bloodstream. This misinformation is dangerous because it deters people from getting the necessary treatment to save their teeth.
Myth #6: Root canal therapy is only successful for a short period of time.
Truth: A root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. After the procedure, the tooth no longer has a nerve, eliminating the blood supply. It causes the tooth to become more brittle. A crown or filling is placed in a follow-up appointment to protect the tooth and keep it bacteria-free.
If a root canal fails, it is because the patient feels fine after initial treatment and does not come back for a crown or filling. Just because the pain is gone doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If the tooth is a molar, it may need a crown. It will protect the tooth from the stresses of chewing and grinding.
Believe in Root Canals, Not Their Myths
When equipped with the proper knowledge about root canals, you’ll realize that this procedure doesn’t need to be so scary! Find a provider of safe root canal treatments you can trust in your area. They can ease your concern by explaining thoroughly what the procedure will be like, before and after. If you have any questions about receiving a root canal, please get in touch with our dentist in NW Calgary.