5 Myths About Root Canal Therapy

Root canals sound scary. In the past, they could be. Thanks to modern dentistry, root canals are now a routine and important procedure.

Root canals sound scary. In the past, they could be. Thanks to modern dentistry, root canals are now a routine and important procedure. They are necessary when a tooth’s inner pulp gets infected, causing pain and serious health issues. Getting a root canal saves your tooth. Let’s debunk five myths about root canal therapy:

Myth #1: Root Canals Hurt

The most common myth about root canals is that the treatment hurts. With anesthetic and sedation options, the actual root canal procedure is the least painful part of the experience. The pain from an untreated infected tooth is the real problem.

Myth #2: It’s Better to Just Pull the Tooth

To avoid a root canal, people often think a tooth extraction is the better option. The truth is that we always want to save your natural tooth whenever possible. Removing a tooth has more risks, the recovery takes longer, and you have to think about tooth replacements afterward.

Myth #3: Root Canals Make You Sick

There’s a common belief that getting a root canal spreads bacteria through your body, increasing your risk for certain diseases. Others think that root canals can cause arthritis or cancer. There is no reliable research that supports either of these claims. We do know that failing to treat an infected tooth leads to serious health issues.

Myth #4: You Won’t Feel Any Pain After a Root Canal

While you’ll feel significantly less pain after a root canal, you won’t feel completely back to normal right away. Some pain or discomfort is common for a few days after the treatment. This is because of inflammation, tenderness, and sensitivity around the treated tooth. We can prescribe a medication to help during recovery.

Myth #5: Root Canals Are Only Needed if There’s Pain

While many people get a root canal after they feel significant pain, a dentist can catch severe decay in its early stages. You may not feel a ton of pain yet, but you shouldn’t wait for treatment until you do.

Restore Your Oral Health at Chesterfield Dentistry!

Treating tooth infections early is only one reason why regular visits to a dentist like Chesterfield Dentistry is so important. We catch problems before they become serious! Please contact our Chesterfield, Missouri office if you have questions about root canals or our other services.