Busting Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment

Are you feeling apprehensive about getting a root canal? You’re not alone. Root canals have garnered a reputation for being painful and unpleasant, but many common beliefs surrounding this dental procedure are baseless. Endodontics Associates of Georgia sets the facts right about common myths peddled about endodontic procedures like root canals.

Myth#1: Root canals are extremely painful

According to the American Association of Endodontists, about 67% of Americans fear root canals because of pain. However, the truth is that modern root canals are virtually painless. Thanks to modern, powerful anesthetics and gentle procedures like Gentlewave, your root canal is no more painful than a cavity filling. Additionally, endodontists are specially trained in diagnosing and treating root canals. Their blend of training and advanced techniques improves patient comfort by alleviating anxiety and pain.

Myth#2: Root canals can cause illness

Information you come across on the internet claiming that root canals cause systematic diseases like cancer is simply untrue. Several research studies have tossed away these baseless myths, establishing no link between root canals and systematic conditions. This claim was based on century-old poorly designed research that has long been demystified. A root canal is a localized treatment that only treats pain and infection within a tooth—it has no link to causing diseases in other body parts.

Myth#3: It’s better to extract the tooth than a root canal

Even with advanced teeth replacement options, nothing can quite beat your natural tooth. It’s always a good idea to save your natural tooth where possible. Root canals have a high success rate, and the treated root can last for life with proper maintenance.

Extracting a tooth may seem like the easier route, but it leaves a gap that must be filled with an implant or other expensive restorations. Without treatment, an extracted tooth diminishes oral function, messes up your bite, and ruins your aesthetics and confidence.

Myth#4: A root canal removes the root of the tooth

Perhaps this misconception stems from the procedure’s name: root canal treatment. Your root canal dentist or endodontist removes the infected dental pulp along the tooth’s nerve. The root(s) is left intact to anchor your tooth firmly in the jawbone.

Myth#5: It’s a lengthy and involving process

With modern dental techniques and tools, root canal treatment no longer requires multiple appointments. While it differs from patient to patient, most root canals can be completed in one visit within 60-90 minutes. However, depending on the type and severity of the infection, some cases may require two or more appointments.

Myth#6: My tooth doesn’t hurt, so I don’t need a root canal

Although an excruciating toothache is the classic warning sign of a root canal, sometimes you may need this treatment when no pain is present. Infected teeth don’t always cause pain. This often happens because the nerves are dead, and the tooth is no longer pain-sensitive. Unfortunately, the infection is still active and can spread to the nearby structures. Endodontists are trained to identify whether your tooth is infected even with no warning signs.

Ready to learn more about endodontics?

Don’t let unfounded rumors prevent you from getting the treatment you need. Separate facts from myths by talking to Endodontics Associates of Georgia. Call (770) 954-8338 and speak to our endodontic team in Atlanta. Alternatively, you may contact any of our offices in Kennesaw (770) 407-8778, Roswell (678) 798-8288, and Cartersville (470) 315-8588.

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