5 Myths About Root Canals

Root canals. One of the most dreaded dental procedures, but what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to root canals? Every year about 15 million Americans will need a root canal, if you are one of them you may be experiencing some feelings of anxiety and apprehension as these procedures have often been talked about as being a painful and lengthy process. Here at Distinctive Dental we always strive to empower our patients with knowledge and participation in their dental care. If you have been told you need a root canal it’s important you are able to sort out the truth from all the lies. We have compiled some of the most common misconceptions about the root canal procedure below to help put your mind at ease.

Myth #1- Root Canals Are Excruciating

Probably the most common myth that is widely circulated is that root canals are extremely painful. While pain tolerance levels can vary from person to person, this is overall untrue. As times have advanced so have our ways to mitigate pain. Root canals are performed using local anesthesia, usually Novacaine, to numb the area and make the procedure virtually painless. The overall level of discomfort you will feel with a root canal is really the same as any other typical dental filling.

Myth #2- Root Canals Can Cause Illness or Systemic Disease

Possibly the most outlandish root canal myth is that it can cause illness or even systemic disease. The American Association of Endodontists provides extra information on how this misconception came to be.  A study conducted almost 100 years ago claimed root canals were linked to illnesses and systemic disease. Since then, this study has been disproved over and over again, with newer studies actually showing a link between endodontist treatments and a decreased risk for cancer. 

Myth #3-  It’s Better To Pull Your Tooth Than Get A Root Canal

Whether born from fear of a painful treatment or wanting to avoid any dental payments, this myth would cost you more than it would save you. You never want to opt to pull a tooth when it can be avoided. A pulled tooth can result in more oral health issues like bite problems.

Myth #4- A Root Canal Removes Your Roots

This is simply untrue. Root canals leave your roots in place as they are what anchors your tooth to your jawbone and are very important. What the root canal does remove is the pulp, the infected tissue within the tooth, and the nerve endings.

Myth #5- Root Canals Take Multiple Visits

This can be a tricky one. As techniques have improved so has the time it takes for this procedure. Typically a root canal can now be done in one visit, about 1-1.5 hours long. Where this myth might come from is that you will need a separate appointment after the root canal to get a permanent restoration to replace the temporary filling you got during the root canal. 

Don’t Wait!

Ready to get your root canal now? Distinctive Dental is here to help with your root canal or any other dental procedures. Call us today to set up your appointment. We are happy to provide you with any other information to help you feel confident in your procedure.