5 Common Myths About Root Canals

Do the words root canal alone make you cringe? Well, you’re not alone. Plenty of people have misconceptions about this incredibly routine procedure, many of which are left over from days gone by. In this post, we’ll explore a handful of common notions about root canals, and let you know why they just aren’t true.

Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful

Ouch! This is quite the myth. Sure, there was a time when getting a root canal meant excruciating pain, but the same could be said about a filling, or any other dental procedure for that matter. Dental care has evolved a lot in recent decades, and thanks to technology we now have foolproof methods of pain management available to us.

Myth #2: You Might As Well Have an Extraction

Most dentists will agree that saving the natural tooth is almost always the best option. A root canal offers a method of cleaning out the damage and decay, and salvaging the natural tooth, so it would almost always be preferred to extracting the tooth in question.

Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Cancer

Another persistent belief is that root canals cause cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This is entirely false, and has its roots in discredited research from the 1920s. Root canals have no connection to cancer. Instead, they are a method of clearing out damage that might otherwise cause life-threatening infection.

Myth #4: Root Canals Require Many Visits to the Dentist

This is another instance where we have technology to thank for a much improved root canal experience. Today’s procedures take just one or two visits to the dentist’s office.

Myth #5: I’m Not in Pain–I don’t need a Root Canal

Pain can be a signal that you need a root canal, but that’s not always the case. Leave it to your dentist to decide the best way to fix your teeth. If you do have throbbing pain in your tooth, do give us a call right away!

Restorative Dentistry & More at Parkside Family Dental

At our office, we’re committed to giving you an experience you can trust–one that’s comfortable, pain-free, and effective. Whether it’s a root canal you need, or a simple routine dental exam, we handle each interaction with care, passion, and enthusiasm. Give us a call if you don’t have your next appointment with us booked.