There are various myths and misconceptions about root canal treatments and the pain it supposedly induces to patients. Here at Sorrento Dental care, it’s important to us to clear up some of these myths for our patients.
First, what is a root canal? A root canal is a type of treatment used to save or repair a decayed tooth. When a patient undergoes a root canal procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed, and the cleaning of the tooth is done before filling it.
Are Root Canals Really That Painful?
It is often said that a root canal treatment is painful. Really painful. While this used to be the case decades ago, but with the advancement of technology and use of anesthetics, it is no longer extremely painful. Yes, for some patients there can be discomfort. But the point of a root canal is to alleviate pain long-term, not induce more of it.
There is also a myth that a root canal causes some sort of illness. There are online articles stating that body illness can occur soon after a root canal treatment. This statement derives from very old and very poor research when doctors were coming up with a hypothesis on how some illnesses are caused. The truth is that there is no evidence that links any disease to a root canal treatment. Root canals are safe and effective. It is also thought that root canals are needed when one is in pain, but this is not always the case. Root canals are not only used to save living teeth, but also to save dead teeth from infections.
Many people normally think that a root canal requires several visits to the dentist. The truth is that most root canals can be completed in one or two visits. After the procedure takes place, the patient can plan to have checkups to make sure the recovery is going on well.
It is important to note that root canals allow a patient to keep their affected tooth for the rest of their lives, by preventing infections. This procedure is available to make sure that tooth extraction does not take place. After treatment, the tooth should be crowned to seal the treated area from any damage or infection.
There is no need to get anxious when your dentist mentions a root canal. This is a treatment done often and that is very effective. If you have any questions or concerns about getting a root canal, please don’t hesitate to call us at (850) 492-7647. The first stop will be to have an oral exam.