If people were to list their top ten fears, visiting the dentist would definitely appear in that list. Dentists are generally nice people, but you still don’t like to visit them.
Much of this fear is quite unnecessary. It stems from centuries ago where most dental treatment was quite primitive and painful. In this article we will look at some of the top myths regarding tooth restoration. We will look at what is really the truth behind the myths about dental treatment.
First of all, there are various types of tooth restoration. One of the most common types is fillings. These are usually put into the tooth when there is a cavity. If the cavity is too deep or the damage to the tooth and root system to great then a more evasive procedure is done known as a root canal. Fillings are generally painless and can be done in most cases without anesthetic. However, if the patient is highly nervous they do have that option. Root canals were once a rather painful procedure. However, with today’s medicines they are a pain free procedure.
Many are under the impression that tooth restoration requires several trips to the dentist. This is only true if several teeth are affected and in quite poor condition. Most fillings are done in less than an hour. Root canals are usually done in one or two visits. The first removes all of the inner workings of the tooth and the second to place a crown or cap on the top of the remaining tooth.
Another myth of tooth restoration is the crowns cause the need for root canals. This is not true at all. Crowns are put on top of teeth sometimes after a filling. If the cavity was deep and much of the tooth needed to be drilled away. Crowns are quite frequently put on after root canals as well. If a tooth with a crown needs a root canal it is an indication that decay has gotten in underneath. Possible due to poor brushing and flossing.
Another myth regarding tooth restoration is that during a root canal procedure, the roots of the tooth are taken away. This is completely untrue. During a root canal, the inside or the pulp of the tooth is what is taken away.
This is usually because infection has set in and saving the inner workings of the tooth is hopeless. To spare the person pain, this is removed but the roots remain intact.
Many are also under the impression that pregnant women cannot have tooth restoration treatment. This isn’t true but if the treatment required a dental x-ray then precautions need to be taken. The exposure during a dental x-ray is absolutely minimal. The machine also concentrated on the mouth are and not the stomach. However, most dentists will put a lead apron over the patient during the x-ray. This is just an extra precaution.
Another myth regarding tooth restoration is that eventually the tooth will be lost. This is completely untrue when it comes to standard fillings. All of the inner workings of the tooth are still there so there is no reason the tooth should fall out. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are a greater risk of coming out. The pulp and nerve systems have been removed in this case. There isn’t the blood flow and circulation going through the tooth that there once was. However, if the tooth is maintained properly with good oral care, there is no reason it shouldn’t last a lifetime.
Finally, many believe that pulling the tooth is the best option. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In the case of filling it would be completely silly to have a tooth pulled. With a simple procedure the tooth can be saved and go on to last a lifetime. Root canals are a bit more serious but even so, the end result is usually saving the tooth. Keeping your teeth for as long as possible is essential. If they are pulled, gaps in the mouth are created. This can lead to shifting and teeth becoming crooked. Dentures, plates and fixtures to replace missing teeth are also much more expensive then having a simple root canal.
There are a lot of myths around tooth restoration that feed into our fear of the dentist. Most treatments are pain free and yield good results. They are also safe and can help you keep your teeth for the rest of your life. Pulling and loosing teeth are not necessary. Have the tooth restoration procedure you need and keep that mouth in good shape.
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