Demystifying Common Myths About Root Canals

When your dentist says you need a root canal, you should be happy because this treatment allows you to save your tooth. Unfortunately, for some people, the word “root canal” is all it takes to strike fear in their hearts. Root canal treatment receives undeserved slander stemming from unfounded myths and misconceptions. 

What have you heard about root canals? You’ve probably heard that root canals are painful or cause disease. None of this is true. Endodontics Associates of Georgia in Atlanta, Georgia, wants to equip you with accurate information. It’s time to put these myths to rest and learn the truth about endodontic therapy. 

What is a root canal?

Suppose you have a severe toothache, tooth sensitivity, pimple-like bump on your gums, or swelled gums. These are tell-tale symptoms of an infected tooth, and you’ll likely need a root canal to save your tooth. During this procedure, an endodontist removes the diseased pulp chamber, thoroughly disinfects the empty chambers, and fills the canals with gutta-percha. The final step is to restore your tooth with a filling, but if it’s significantly weakened, we’ll strengthen it with a crown. 

A root canal preserves your tooth that would otherwise need removal. Keeping your tooth preserves your beautiful smile and saves you from costly teeth replacement treatments. 

Demystifying root canal myths

As you can see, root canal treatment isn’t as horrible as you’ve heard, but the internet says otherwise. Let’s debunk common myths surrounding root canals and unveil the truth behind each claim.

Myth#1: Root canals are painful

Let’s face it — the words “root canal” can have many patients running for the hills. Many patients associate this procedure with untold pain, but what’s the truth? We’re not in the 1900s! Today, a root canal is no more painful than a cavity filling — the procedure is just a bit more extensive. Modern root canals are painless, thanks to modern anesthetics and light touch techniques. 

Myth#2: I don’t feel pain anymore, so I don’t need a root canal

Your tooth has nerves. When infection seeps into your pulp chamber, these nerves die off. When a painful or sensitive tooth stops, it doesn’t mean the tooth has gotten better. Your tooth has died, but the infection is very much active. Without root canal treatment, the infection may spread to the surrounding structures. Worse yet, the infection can infiltrate your bloodstream, causing damage to vital organs!

Myth#3: Root canals cause disease

This harmful myth claims that root canals put you at risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, etc. This myth dates back to the 1920s, but it has since been debunked by scientific studies showing that root canals are safe and don’t put you at risk of any disease.

Myth#4: Pulling the tooth is better

Nothing can quite replace your natural tooth. So, preserving your natural tooth whenever possible is always a good idea. Removing your tooth without a replacement plan exposes you to numerous cosmetic and oral health problems. The absence of teeth, even just one, affects your smile’s aesthetics and ability to chew and speak confidently. Preserving your tooth with a root canal saves you from the consequences of tooth loss and expensive teeth replacement options. 

Believe in root canals, not their myths

With the correct information about root canals, you’ll discover this treatment isn’t as scary as you may have heard.

Benefit from root canal treatment by scheduling an appointment with Endodontics Associates of Georgia. Call us at (770) 954-8338 (Atlanta), (770) 407-8778 (Kennesaw), (470) 315-8588 (Cartersville), or (678) 798-8288(Roswell).