There are a staggering number of myths about root canal treatment, but you may be delighted to learn most of them are unfounded. Popular media, tv shows, movies, and the like certainly don’t do anything to alleviate these misconceptions, but we’re going to try.
We understand that some people avoid endodontic treatment because of all the misconceptions about root canals that are out there. However, we want people to receive the treatment they need to live their best life, which is why the endodontic professionals at Central Ohio Endodontics have set out to lay these common root canal myths to rest.
Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment
Treatment has come a long way since the first recorded root canal in the 18th century. Unfortunately, the sensitive nature of nerve-filled teeth and early endodontic practices have infected the general public’s understanding of root canals. In the following passages, we aim to lay out the most common misconceptions about root canals to rest and arm people with a more realistic understanding of endodontic treatment in general and root canals in particular.
1. Root canals are painful.
The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when talking about root canal treatment is an unbearable amount of pain. Modern anesthetics and innovations in the endodontic field have made root canals less painful than ever. In fact, the tooth pain one suffers as a result of an infected tooth is often much greater than the pain caused by a root canal. While you may experience some minor discomfort after the procedure, it is typically nothing that some mild over-the-counter pain relievers can’t handle.
2. It’s better to pull a tooth.
Some people think extracting the infected tooth is better than going through root canal treatment. However, a tooth extraction makes your teeth susceptible to movement, which can have a negative impact on your bite, and cause all sorts of problems down the road. Keeping your natural tooth not only preserves your bite but it keeps your smile looking great, whereas post-extraction implants generally stand out from the surrounding natural teeth.
3. Root canal treatment makes you sick.
The misconception that root canal treatment makes you sick or, at the very least, more susceptible to illness is based on a more than century-old research study that has long been debunked. It is important to remember that this study was conducted at a time when heavy narcotics and alcohol were prescribed as cough suppressants.
And while that doesn’t discount all medical research from the time, it should make you question the validity of some of the more absurd studies. If anything, failing to treat an infected tooth can cause the infection to spread and the development of subsequent symptoms such as pain, swelling, and a fever.
4. Root canal treatment takes a long time.
Although the extent of root canal treatment varies on a case-by-case basis, one thing that is certain is that they don’t take nearly as long as they used to. Most root canals can be performed in a single visit. However, we recommend consulting your local dental professional for a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Exceptional Root Canal Treatment at Central Ohio Endodontics
Most of the negative things you hear about root canal treatment are simply untrue. The benefits of a root canal far outweigh any downsides, so please don’t fall victim to these common myths about root canal treatment. Contact Central Ohio Endodontics for more information on the endodontic treatment you require.