Root canals are not painful
They are safe
A well-done replacement crown can last a long time
When people hear the words “root canal” it can make them briefly ponder just packing up a bag and leaving for somewhere where dentists aren’t needed. The phrase can conjure up images of pain and suffering.
There’s no need for that kind of panic, though. Root canals are pretty commonplace today and not worth worrying about.
Like many other myths, it can be hard to shake. Here’s why root canals are unfairly getting a bad rep.
They Only Remember What Happened Before
When it comes to recounting the actual experience, the person who had the root canal often forgets that it was the time that they were waiting to have the root canal that was so miserable. They were likely in a high state of pain and that memory blends with the procedure.
Pain is not the only indicator. There are times that dentists have discovered dead teeth during an exam – that will also need a root canal.
Truth be told, the root canal procedure is no more painful than having a tooth filled. The dentist or periodontist or endodontist will numb the area anyway and then drill holes into the tooth to remove the root and the pulp.
They Think It’s A Long Procedure
A root canal is not long and drawn out, which is what some people may think. It may have been in the past, but nowadays it takes one session with any additional ones being required if the tooth in question is in bad shape or requires a specialist to do it.
The only thing that can really add time is the reconstruction part. That’s where patients may have to block off a bit of their social or work calendar to ensure that all goes well. Even that isn’t as time-consuming as one may think.
They Heard It’s Unsafe
There was some research that showed that root canals could cause underlying diseases like cancer and heart disease. That was conducted almost 100 years ago and it’s safe to say that dental technology has vastly improved since then. This is now a safe and routine procedure.
Other things they may have heard is that the replacement crown is not stable enough and the tooth will break again. That scenario only happens if the dentist cuts corners and doesn’t do a proper job of putting the crown on. Otherwise, the crown is very sturdy.
Dr. Robert Trager has been helping patients with smooth root canal procedures for decades. His wealth of knowledge has made him a sought-after dentist.
