Common Myths About Root Canals
At Family Friendly Dentistry, we do all we can to save your natural teeth. One of the reasons we are so passionate about routine dental care is to catch any problems with your oral health in the early stages. When treatment is not received in a timely fashion, the issues will continue to worsen, and more in-depth procedures will be required.
A root canal is the treatment we will recommend as the last resort before an extraction is needed. The first step is to remove infected nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth. The root is then cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. We may recommend a root canal when:
- There is trauma to the tooth
- A large filling needs to be replaced and there is not enough tooth structure
- A crack or chip in a tooth reaches the pulp inside
Two Common Myths About Root Canals
Root canal therapy is one treatment with a bad reputation because movies and television often exaggerate the treatment procedure, depicting it as painful and difficult. Here are two common myths related to root canals:
Root Canals Are Painful
FALSE! Patients who have never received this treatment often assume that a root canal will be painful and that they will be left feeling terribly uncomfortable. Thanks to advancements in treatment and technology, a root canal is now more like getting a large filling. The pain from a serious toothache or problem in your mouth is usually pretty severe, and a root canal will typically eliminate that discomfort.
Pulling a Tooth Is Better
FALSE! Keeping your natural tooth root is always the best option. A tooth extraction is only recommended as a last resort. When a tooth is missing, other serious problems can develop, such as shifting teeth, uneven wear of tooth enamel, and difficulty eating and speaking. A missing tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent any of these problems from developing.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth, or we have already recommended a root canal or other treatment, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Terre Haute, IN, to schedule an appointment. Delaying a root canal or other treatment can lead to serious oral health complications and the need for additional measures, such as a tooth extraction. We want to help get your oral health back on track!
