Root canals are quite effective, but it wouldn’t be surprising if you looked down on them. Rumors and stereotypes have made these procedures seem risky and frightening. With that said, you shouldn’t believe in such gossip; the myths about root canals simply aren’t true. Your Maplewood dentist can even prove this fact with relevant details and evidence. To that end, here are four common root canal myths you shouldn’t trust going forward.
“Root Canals Cause Illnesses”
One pernicious idea holds that root canals cause illnesses. However, this view is complete bunk; it holds no truth whatsoever.
The “root canal = illnesses” belief originated with faulty, hundred-year-old research from the 1920s. In it, a dentist named Weston Price argued for a link between root canals and cancer. This finding wasn’t completely and utterly bogus, though; it’s never been supported by the wider scientific community. The American Medical Association has even shown that cancer risk doesn’t increase after a root canal treatment.
“Root Canals are Painful”
Pop culture implies that a root canal is painful. That said, the treatment is actually painless and easy for modern patients.
Dentists take various steps to ensure a root canal doesn’t hurt. For instance, they apply anesthesia before treatment that numbs your infected tooth. (Doing so ensures the dentist’s work won’t cause you pain.) A dentist will also act with as light a touch as possible, making sure they don’t nick or prod sensitive areas. The dental team will also provide care tips to ease any post-treatment soreness.
“Root Canal Benefits are Short-Lived”
You might hear people say that root canals have short-lived benefits. Well, those figures are wrong; the perks of treatment last quite a long time.
A tooth given a root canal often remains safe for a lifetime. Indeed, it should continue working and avoid severe aches and pains in the future; treatment can “permanently” address its infection. You just need to maintain these results by protecting your tooth’s crown, keeping bacteria away from it.
“Root Canals Only Help When Teeth Hurt”
While pain often points to an issue, that doesn’t mean root canals only help when teeth hurt. Treatment can still be useful when a tooth is pain-free.
In fact, a tooth could need a root canal even when it feels fine. The pearly white’s inner pulp might be so damaged or infected that it’s “dead,” failing to send pain signals to the brain. You’d require a root canal in this case to save your tooth and prevent the spread of infection.
From now on, don’t put much stock in myths about root canals. Let your local dentist explain how these tooth-saving treatments work!
About the Practice
Hilltop Dental is based in Maplewood, MN. Led by Dr. Quintarias Lester, our practice makes quality dentistry accessible for any and every patient. No matter your age, race, or background, we’ll always provide your smile with top-tier preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments! The same goes for emergency procedures like tooth extractions and root canals. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (651)-488-2541.