As we all believe that visits to the dentists are “known” to be painful. However, this is not true, especially in today’s times. With better technology, pain and time have lessened for your dental visits and teeth care efficiency has been increased. The same principle goes for root canal treatment which is one of the most dreaded treatments in the teeth world. Mostly it is required when cavities reach the depths of the root of your teeth or some trauma has happened to disconnect the blood supply to the teeth and likewise causes damage.

Root canal treatment is a very vital one that cannot be delayed or avoided. When a tooth is badly decayed or infected, root canal treatment is done to repair and save it. It is always recommended to save your natural teeth over implanting an artificial amalgam or ceramic teeth. Unless the tooth is cleaned and sealed by removing the nerve and pulp inside the tooth, the neighbouring teeth will also get infected and cause chances for abscess formation. It’s time you nullified your nervousness because here we are going to bust some myths about root canal treatment.

MYTH: Root canal treatment is very painful

FACT: The actual pain occurs before you get treated because of the infected and decayed teeth and abscesses below it. The treatment is to remove such anomalies, clean up the area, and fill in to prevent further infection or cavity formation. During this treatment, your gums and area around the teeth are made numb by highly advances and sophisticated anesthetics which will prevent you from sensing any pain during the procedure. Max to the max you will have slight discomfort from the anesthesia. So, you have nothing to worry about having a root canal treatment.

MYTH: Root canals are costly and require a lot of visits to the dentist

FACT: Thanks to the cutting-edge technology that most root canal treatments are done and dusted in a visit or two. So, do not worry about the time being invested as it is worth it. Regarding cost, the treatment is affordable. The rate also varies with dentists, so you can decide your budget and go with the best root canal treatment. Moreover, this treatment is definitely worth the cost of saving your teeth. Delaying would cost you only the loss of this tooth and the infection of the neighbouring ones.

MYTH: It is better to extract the tooth than perform a canal treatment on it

FACT: It is one of the most common myths about root canal treatment. It is always best to save your natural teeth if possible and avoid further treatment. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate, as high as 95%. Along with proper care, the effects of the treatments can last lifelong and you will not feel any problems thereafter. On the other hand, replacing a tooth requires more time at the dentist’s clinic and further treatments also cost much for the neighbouring teeth as well.

MYTH: Root canal treatments cause illness

FACT: If you have heard from anywhere that a root canal treatment leaves the area vulnerable and can make you ill in the future is a blatant myth. Long ago, before modern medicine was known to everyone, this rumour started spreading widely. So, there is no scientific link between illness and root canal treatment.

MYTH: For a dead tooth, the treatment is not required

FACT: The root canal treatment cleans the inside area of your teeth from any infection and keeps your teeth healthy. Also, tooth decay or trauma causes the stoppage of blood supply to your teeth at which point your teeth becomes “dead”. This is why root canal procedure has to be done- to prevent bacteria from spreading to other teeth and causing more problems. Another similar myth is that if your tooth does not hurt, then the root canal treatment is not essential. That has to be completely decided by your endodontist or dentist since they are the better judges. Visit your dentist at least 3-4 times in a year for maintaining good oral health.

MYTH: After root canal treatment, your teeth will become more sensitive

FACT: Contrary to this popular belief, a root canal treatment makes your teeth insensitive to pain from having hot or cold food since the root canal is cleaned. So, now that the teeth sensitivity has vanished, you can bite and chew on that ice cream easily.

MYTH: Root canal treatment cannot be done on pregnant women

FACT: This is not true since pregnant women can do the treatment also. In addition to this, root canal treatments are very vital to maintain your teeth. Yes, a small X-ray is required to do the treatment but the dentist or the endodontist will give a lead apron to cover your belly for extra safety even though the X-ray is quite small and covers only your mouth. Make sure that you inform your dentist that you are pregnant beforehand, and also if you have any other conditions or problems.

So these are some of the most prominent myths about root canal treatment. For more information, you can also get a professional opinion on whether you should get a root canal by the cosmetic dentist boynton beach.