Being told you need a root canal may be alarming at first. If you’ve never had root canal treatment with an endodontist before, fear of the unknown and the many myths surrounding root canals may cause you to delay or avoid addressing your endodontic needs! Postponing treatment or taking the “wait and see” approach can lead to painful, expensive, regretful outcomes.
As endodontists we love saving teeth and educating our patients on the value of a healthy smile. Some common myths such as root canals causing pain or illness are just myths and making your healthcare decisions based on myths should be avoided at all costs. Debunking root canal myths and saving teeth is our mission!
This blog is intended for educational purposes and will never replace professional dental care. If you need a root canal, or need some root canal myths debunked, please contact us today!
Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment Causes Pain!
Truth: Root canal treatment is a specialized procedure to save your teeth and RELIEVE dental pain.
With modern anesthesia techniques and additional training in pain management, endodontists are experts in providing comfortable, pain-free treatment. Much like for a filling or crown procedure you will be adequately numb for your root canal. If the inner most part of your tooth (pulp) has become damaged, inflamed or infected, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
During the root canal procedure the endodontist removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of your tooth and places a specialized filling to seal the roots completely. The root canal procedure eliminates sensitivity and throbbing pain, resolves swelling, and allows the bone around your tooth to heal.
Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Health Problems
Truth: Root canal treatment is a well-established, thoroughly researched, scientifically proven treatment that has saved millions of teeth and allowed people to live healthy lives for over 100 years.
Misinformation you may find on the internet stating root canals cause illness or disease is simply not true. Some of this misinformation is based on a poorly designed research study from the 1920s when the causes for many diseases were poorly understood and it was debunked and discredited years later in the 1950s.
To date, there is no valid scientific evidence to prove root canal treatment is linked to cancer or any other diseases elsewhere in the body.
There are years of research to show root canals are effective in saving teeth, eliminating infection and promoting healing in the affected area.
Myth 3: My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, I Don’t Need a Root Canal
Truth: Sometimes the inner most part of the tooth (pulp) may be damaged from cracks, fillings and crowns, decay, grinding, or trauma but it’s a slow, silent process and you may not experience symptoms right away.
While severe, lingering cold sensitivity or sudden aching and swelling in the area are tell-tale signs you need a root canal, there may be other signs only your dentist or endodontist can see that indicate something is not right!
A tooth may require a root canal if the nerve has become necrotic (died) and it may be causing bone loss that the patient can not feel. A necrotic tooth will not feel any cold sensitivity but can cause infection, abscess, pain and swelling at any moment. Routine xrays at your dentist office may reveal underlying infection requiring prompt root canal treatment to avoid sudden pain or loss of your tooth.
Endodontists are experts in special testing and have advanced imaging equipment to determine if the pulp is damaged or infected and complete your root canal treatment before you experience any symptoms!
You can book an appointment with Dr. Sells at Magnolia Roots Endodontics through an Online Request or giving us a call at 912-737-4044.
Myth 4: I Feel Better After My Root Canal So I Don’t Need to Go Back to My Dentist
Truth: Continuous, follow on dental care is crucial to the success of your root canal treatment and longevity of the tooth.
A good seal is required to keep bacteria out of the root canal space and prevent re-infection. Many root canal treated teeth require a crown to cover the tooth and prevent cracking. Some teeth may receive a permanent filling at the time the root canal is completed but many root canal treated teeth require further treatment to seal the tooth completely.
Following root canal treatment you may need a new filling, a crown, a new crown, or other follow-up care with your general dentist or other specialists. Your endodontist will work closely with your general dentist to communicate and plan your next steps to stabilize and save your tooth.
Myth 5: I Already Had a Rood Canal So I Will Never have Pain in That Tooth Again
Truth: When the nerve is removed during root canal treatment the tooth will never feel hot or cold temperatures or have sweets sensitivity ever again (thank goodness!). The tooth may still have some symptoms of discomfort after root canal treatment however.
If an infected tooth had swelling at the time of treatment, this can take a few days to over a week to fully heal and resolve. If a tooth had pressure or biting pain before treatment, much a like a bruise, this area will still be sore for a few days while it begins to heal. Much like any dental appointment that involves numbing, its normal to feel tender in the area of anesthesia injections for a few days after treatment.
Longer dental procedures where the mouth is open for more than a few minutes can cause some jaw soreness as well.
Endodontists are experts in pain management and will ensure you know how to handle any post-operative symptoms you experience. You may be prescribed pain medications or antibiotics to help with healing.
You will be given written and verbal instructions after care so you can be confident you know what to expect and get back to chewing and smiling comfortably on your root canal treated tooth!
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