A root canal is a routine, well-tolerated dental procedure that relieves pain and treats infection. Patients may have encountered harmful myths about the procedure that could interfere with their treatment and endanger their oral health and overall wellness.
This blog will debunk three common myths about root canals and provide accurate information about the procedure.
Myth #1: Root Canals Feel Painful
One of the most pervasive myths about root canals is that they cause discomfort. Today's root canals are easy procedures that feel no different than getting a large filling. Advances in technique and local anesthesia have made the procedure more comfortable.
Myth #2: Extraction is Better than a Root Canal
Dentists must sometimes extract natural teeth when they have experienced severe breakage, infection, and decay. Patients may believe that a root canal is more costly than an extraction, but endodontic surgery is frequently a more significant expense than a root canal procedure and crown.
Myth #3: Root Canals Make You Sick
This pervasive myth about root canals started in the early 20th century with a study that scientists later discredited. However, many patients still believe that a root canal causes bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The opposite is true: a root canal can stop an infection and often prevents it from progressing to a systemic illness. You may need antibiotics after your procedure to eliminate the infection.
Symptoms That Indicate You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent, severe toothache
- Extreme sensitivity to pressure on the tooth from chewing or touching it
- Swollen gums
- Pimple on the gums
- Discolored tooth
- Swollen jaw
- Loose tooth
The Root Canal Procedure
Today's root canal procedure is routine and well-tolerated. Understanding how dentists perform a root canal can alleviate patients' worries. The dentist provides local anesthesia to prevent discomfort. Some patients feel more comfortable with a light sedative like nitrous oxide, but many do not need it.
The dentist makes a small opening in the tooth's crown to access the pulp chamber. Tiny dental tools remove the infected or inflamed pulp and accumulated bacteria from the crown and root canals. After drying the tooth's interior, the dentist fills it with biocompatible gutta-percha material and applies a filling. The patient may return to receive a dental crown in a few weeks. A filling suffices for some root canals, but a crown better protects the natural tooth.
Benefits of Root Canals
Treat Infection
Pulp infections can cause illness and tooth loss. A root canal stops the infection from progressing to other teeth and entering the bloodstream.
Alleviate Pain
One of the top benefits of a root canal is treating pain that can significantly interfere with a patient's quality of life, making it difficult to sleep, eat, and relax.
Save Natural Teeth
However, root canals can save many teeth and preserve the natural root system. With an extraction, patients must consider costly options like implants, bridges, and dentures to restore the tooth. A root canal and crown keep the roots intact and preserve jawbone strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
What if my tooth still hurts after a root canal?
Your tooth may feel somewhat tender for a few days after treatment. This situation is normal and does not mean your root canal was unsuccessful. Avoid chewing on the tooth for a few days and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed. You may need a course of antibiotics after your root canal to treat the remnants of your infection. Call your dentist if your symptoms worsen 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. If you continue to feel pain for weeks, call us immediately. You may need further treatment.
How does a root canal prevent tooth loss?
Root canals protect against tooth loss by helping patients avoid tooth extraction. They can also prevent teeth from loosening and falling out due to an infection that softens the jawbone. When you have a root canal instead of an extraction, your natural root system will continue to keep your jawbone strong and healthy.
Call Dr. Todd Paczewski
Root canals may be intimidating but should not be feared or avoided. If you have any of the above symptoms or want to learn more about root canals, please call our Forty Four, PA, office at 570-287-2500. We can schedule an appointment to relieve discomfort, eliminate infection, and protect your oral health.