7 Common Myths About Root Canal Therapy

If you’re one of the millions of people who experience tooth pain, you may be considering a root canal. This common dental procedure is often misunderstood, and as a result, many myths have developed around it. In this blog post, we will dispel some of these myths and provide accurate information about root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy is a procedure that is performed when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. The pulp is the tissue that contains the blood vessels and nerves. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. This procedure is necessary when the infection has reached the root of the tooth. Root canal therapy is usually performed by a dentist or an endodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in this procedure.

There are many myths surrounding root canal therapy, and we will dispel seven of them here:

Myth #1: They Hurt

This is perhaps the most common myth about root canals. Many people believe that the procedure is painful, but this is not the case. In fact, root canal therapy relieves pain because it removes the infected pulp that is causing the pain. The procedure itself is usually not painful, and any discomfort that is experienced can be easily managed with local anesthesia.

Myth #2: Root Canal Therapy Makes You Sick

This myth is based on a belief that was popular in the 1920s. However, this is not true and it was quickly disproven in the 1950s. In fact, root canal therapy actually helps to prevent further infection by removing the source of the infection.

Myth #3: Root Canal Therapy Removes the Tooth Roots

Another common myth is that root canal therapy removes the tooth roots. This is not true. The roots of the tooth are not removed during a root canal. The only thing that is removed is the infected pulp. The roots of the tooth remain in place, and the tooth is actually stronger after a root canal because the inside is sealed and protected from further infection.

Myth #4: I Don’t Need a Root Canal Because I Feel No Pain

Many people believe that they do not need a root canal because they are not experiencing any pain. However, this is not always the case. The pulp can become infected without causing any pain. In fact, the infection may not cause any symptoms until it has reached the root of the tooth. By this time, the infection can cause serious damage to the tooth and may even lead to tooth loss. So, if you are experiencing any type of dental pain or abnormality, it is important to see a dentist right away.

Myth #5: Teeth Usually Need to Be Extracted After a Root Canal

Another common myth is that teeth usually need to be extracted after a root canal. This is not true. In most cases, the tooth can be saved with root canal therapy. In fact, teeth that have been treated with a root canal are actually stronger than teeth that have not been treated.

Myth #6: There is No Sensation in the Affected Tooth After a Root Canal

Many people believe that there is no sensation in the tooth after a root canal. This is not true. The nerve inside the tooth is removed during a root canal, so you will not feel any sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet. However, you can still feel some pressure or tenderness in the tooth for a few days after the procedure. This is because there are still nerves in the tissues around the tooth roots. Some tenderness after a root canal is normal and will go away as the tooth heals.

Myth #7: I Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist After Having a Root Canal

The final myth we will dispel is that you do not need to visit the dentist after having a root canal. This is not true. It is important to visit the dentist for a follow-up appointment to make sure that the infection has been completely removed and that the tooth is healing properly.

In Conclusion

In this blog post, we have dispelled seven common myths about root canal therapy. We hope that this has helped to clear up any misconceptions that you may have had about this procedure. If you are experiencing any dental pain, we encourage you to see a dentist right away. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment for tooth infection, and it can save your tooth from further damage.