Root Canal Treatment - Common Misconceptions

A look at some of the many misconceptions about root canal treatment.

Most of us have an inherent fear of going to the dentist. For the vast majority of us we suck it up and get the job done.

For a few however, they put it off until they cannot put it off anymore. This is silly and can even be dangerous.

Some will try to con themselves into believing that their dental problems will go away on their own. This is untrue in about 99.99% of all cases. What will happen is that they will grow worse and likely more painful over time. A simple cavity that could have been filled in less than 30 minutes can fester into infections, abscesses and serious gum diseases. It is best to get these problems sorted out as soon as possible.

Root canal treatments are an example of a procedure that people fear almost more than death. There are many misconceptions surrounding root canals that feed into this fear. One of the main fears that keeps people away until they can no longer bare the pain is the amount of pain associated with the procedure. It is true that in decades past root canals were not the most pleasant thing to go through. However, with the pain killing power of today’s anesthetics root canals are pain free. You will feel pressure and some minor soreness afterward. However, these are quite easily remedied by over the counter medicines.

Another common misconception about root canals is that thy require several visits to the dentist. Root canals can generally be done in two to here visits. The first visit is the procedure. This is where the pulp of the tooth is removed.

The roots are then filled with cement. Later this is removed and your tooth is fitted for a permanent crown. Root canals typically take less than an hour to perform.

Some believe that root canals are pointless because you will eventually loose the tooth. Again, highly untrue. Root canals are performed to save the tooth. It is true that after the pulp, containing the nerves and blood vessels are removed, the chances of the tooth falling out later are increased. However, with a carefully fitted crown and good oral hygiene there is no reason the tooth shouldn’t last the rest of your life.

Many believe that if there is no pain then there is no reason to have a root canal. If someone is suffering from deep pain then the likely treatment will be a root canal. However, this doesn’t make the opposite true. There are instances where there was no pain but advanced decay. Have you teeth checked regularly to avoid this happening.

Some would rather have the tooth pulled that have a root canal. Where it is true that pulling a tooth can be done in minutes it can lead to gaps in the teeth, shifting and teeth becoming crooked. This can have all sorts of negative effects. Crooked teeth and gaps are much harder to clean. It will also put more pressure on certain teeth causing them to wear out quicker. Saving the tooth is always the best option if it is possible. A root canal is better in the long run than having the tooth pulled.

Many people also think that after they have their root canals their tooth is completely restored. The opposite is true. The majority of root canals are highly successful. However, there is more care involved. Your tooth can become dry and brittle. This leaves it vulnerable to chipping and breaking. Decay can still set in on the tooth even if there is no pulp so good oral hygiene is essential. Maintain regular check ups with your dentist and follow their care instructions.

Finally, it is quite a common misconception that pregnant women cannot have root canals. Pregnant women must be careful when it comes to the x-ray process. Your dentist will likely cover you with a lead apron as an added precaution. The exposure is also minimal. However, there is nothing dangerous about the root canal procedure for a pregnant woman.

Many of us fear the dentist to a point of rather dying. The ironic thing about this is that the longer people leave their problems the greater likelihood they will need a dentist. To add insult to injury, they will need more evasive and expensive treatment. The root canal treatment is one that has a lot of negative stigma attached. However, most of these fears are completely unfounded. Root canals are generally pain free and more often then not save the tooth. They are perfectly safe treatments for all types of people and can be performed in as little as two visits. Some care is required after a root canal, however best to have the procedure than to face even more dire consequences.