Myths and urban legends can be fun stories to tell, but what happens when they spread dangerous misinformation? When it comes to root canals, you may have heard a number of things about them over the years, many of which are simply not true. Unfortunately, this means that if you or someone you love needs one themselves, getting it can be understandably scary. Thankfully, these myths can be easily debunked. So, relax! Here’s the real truth about root canals.
Myth #1: Root Canals are Painful
It’s easy to understand how this one got started. Root canals have been long featured in Hollywood as being painful and scary, but the real pain usually occurs before you even make it into the dentist’s office due to the underlying tooth infection. The root canal procedure is designed to remove this infection, and not only is it done under local anesthesia, when it’s done, you’ll likely feel much better than you did before you arrived!
Myth #2: You Only Need a Root Canal if You are in Pain
While pain is often a huge indication that your tooth is infected, this is not always the case. Sometimes you can have an infection without feeling a thing. Now, before you ask, “If it doesn’t hurt, do I really need to fix it?”, the answer to that question is yes. If left untreated, a tooth infection can easily spread to your other teeth, requiring more than one root canal. In fact, in some cases you may even need a tooth extraction, or you may even lose portions of your jaw. When it comes to tooth infections, the absence of pain does not mean that your tooth is fine, and unfortunately, tooth infections don’t simply clear up or go away on their own.
Myth #3: It’s Better to Get Your Tooth Extracted
When it comes to an infected tooth, it is always better to try and keep the natural tooth in place than it is to remove it. While in some cases a root canal is simply not possible, your dentist will make every effort to save it before recommending extraction. Removing a tooth may seem like a faster way to get relief, however, when you do this, it can cause a host of other problems such as bite misalignment, chewing and speaking issues, self-esteem issues, and of course jawbone degradation. Thus, if you do have it extracted, it is important to replace it with the help of a prosthetic to avoid further problems.
Myth #4: Root Canals Cause Illness
Long ago, when root canals were first performed, medical and dental science wasn’t what it is today. Thus, many of the systems were not yet understood, and information was falsely spread that having a root canal causes serious illness elsewhere in the body. Thankfully, this myth was debunked in a study conducted in the 1920s, but it definitely has some pretty sharp teeth of its own and continues to proliferate on the internet. Rest assured, however, that it is not at all true, and your root canal will not do this.
Remember, myths and stories can be fun around the campfire, but when it comes to your oral health, it’s best to stick to the facts. If your dentist recommends a root canal, don’t let these commonly held misconceptions stop you from getting the relief you need. It could save your smile!
About Our Practice
At Lux Smiles, we work hard to ensure that each of our patients benefits from our years of experience and education. We strive to keep the lines of communication open, so you are never left wondering if you really need a treatment, or if you are missing an important step in caring for your own oral health. Our warm, friendly team is happy to assist you with a variety of treatments and procedures, from general dentistry to cosmetic improvements, to root canals.
If you need a root canal, please schedule an appointment by visiting our website or call us today at 212-777-7126.