Root Canal Treatment: 5 Common Myths Debunked
Root canal treatment is a procedure used to treat diseased or infected tooth. Beneath the hard, outer layer of enamel and dentin is a soft tissue known as pulp that houses the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. This treatment becomes necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, bad crown or a crack in the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can get worse and may need further surgical intervention and sometimes, the tooth may actually have to be removed.
Many people have heard horror stories about root canal treatment, but in fact, for many it is a simple procedure to save your natural tooth structure!
Below we will debunk 5 myths about root canal treatment:
Root Canal Treatment is Painful
Most root canals are virtually pain free! Root canal treatment in fact removes the inflamed and infected pulp of the tooth, which is the source of the pain most have been feeling. Root canals are not the same procedure they were even a few decades ago. Advancements in training, technology, anesthesia, and equipment make the modern root canal treatment much more comfortable.
Root Canal Treatment Requires Several Visits
Most people think that tooth extraction is better as it is quicker, but this is just not true. If you opt for extraction, you will also need further procedures to replace the missing tooth. By extracting the tooth and replacing it, you will need to make several visits, and shell out more money. If you choose to extract a tooth and not replace it your teeth can shift to fill the open space, and cause further damage overtime. Root canal treatment usually requires 1 to 3 visits. It is basically the condition of the tooth that determines the number of visits required.
Root Canal Treatment Kills the Tooth
Root canal treatment cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth to allow it to heal; it does not kill the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment Is Not Often Successful
Root canal treatment in fact has a very high success rate. As long as the tooth and surrounding gums are kept healthy with good oral hygiene, the natural tooth can last life time.
Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness
It was believed that root canal procedures caused other illnesses throughout the body. This myth is based on poorly designed and debunked research that took place almost a century ago. There is no valid scientific evidence supporting this research to date. In fact, root canal treatments are done to remove bad bacteria from the infected part of the mouth and work to prevent reinfection. A root canal procedure is designed to fight infection, not cause it.
We hope debunking some of the most common myths about root canal treatment has helped to ease some of your fears about the procedure. If you need a root canal, please contact one of our three conveniently located offices today! Our gentle and friendly staff is here to help!
Thomas L. Anderson and Associates are here to help you improve your smile! Contact us immediately or schedule your appointment to meet with any of our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.