Did your dentist in Wendell tell you that you needed root canal therapy? Who wouldn’t get anxious at the thought of going through a root canal treatment? We understand your apprehension, and you’re probably even contemplating backing out. But, before you do, we’re here to tell you that root canal therapy is not as bad as people say it is.
Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions surrounding root canals are all over the internet, misleading people and making them think that root canal treatments are painful. It’s safe to say this treatment has received unjustifiable backlash online and offline. Although the internet is a great medium to get information from, sadly, it’s also plagued with misinformation.
As dentists, we will set the record straight – root canals are good for you. However, if you encounter these myths, understand that these aren’t based on facts. To get straight answers, we suggest you ask your dentist directly.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal treats the chamber within your tooth that houses blood vessels and nerve tissues, also known as the dental pulp. The following are the steps involved in a root canal procedure:
#1 Disinfecting the Root Canal
Your dentist will first remove the infected and inflamed pulp. Don’t worry, as you will be sedated the entire time to minimize the discomfort and make you feel comfortable. Only a tiny hole is made on the surface of your tooth to access the pulp. Next, all infected tissues are removed.
#2 Filling the Canal
After all the infected pulp is taken out, your dentist will clean, reshape and clean the hollow chamber using irrigation solutions. Next, the hollow part will be filled up with gutta-percha. Finally, adhesive cement is used to seal the chamber.
Technically, once the root canal treatment is complete, the tooth is essentially dead. You will no longer experience tooth sensitivity and pain because the nerve tissues have already been removed.
#3 Adding a Crown
Since the dental pulp has been removed, your tooth will no longer be as strong as it was before, which is why your dentist will place a crown over the tooth for reinforcement.
While the crown is still being prepared, you should not chew on the affected tooth only until the crown is in place. Usually, root canal therapy can be done in one appointment. The number of appointments needed depends on the severity and extent of the infection.
What are the Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Root Canal Therapy?
Myth #1: Root Canal Is Painful
The number one reason people are afraid to get a root canal treatment is pain. The truth is, root canals are far from painful. They are the solution to your tooth pain. Once a root canal is completed, you will no longer experience pain. Remember, the cause of the pain is the infection; it’s not the procedure.
Another essential thing to remember is that your dentist will administer local anesthesia on the site, so you won’t feel anything.
Myth #2: The Procedure Requires Multiple Appointments
Usually, it only takes a single appointment to complete root canal therapy. But, sometimes, it can extend up to two appointments depending on several factors, such as the extent of the infection and the difficulty of the procedure.
Myth #3: Root Canals Are Expensive
If you think about it, a root canal and the addition of a dental crown are less costly compared to a tooth extraction and then replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge. The final cost varies depending on how many teeth are affected, whether it’s a first treatment or retreatment, and the experience and expertise of the dentist.
Myth #4: The Effects Are Only Temporary
The effects of root canal therapy are long-lasting, that’s for sure. It not only relieves you of the pain but also saves your tooth from further damage.
Myth #5: Tooth Extraction Is Better Than Root Canal Therapy
Most people think that settling for tooth extraction is less expensive than a root canal. However, they don’t realize that if they choose to have their tooth extracted sooner or later, they’ll need to pay for costly restorative dental treatment to fill in the gap. In addition, studies show that failing to replace missing teeth will eventually result in oral health complications.
Do You Need to See a Dentist in Wendell?
At Tyron Family Dentistry, we are committed to building long-term relationships with our patients. We design customized treatment plans based on your budget, lifestyle, preference, and needs. Our dental office is fully equipped with the latest technology to give you a comfortable experience. Call us today for an appointment.
