Root canal therapy is considered, by many people, to be a bad procedure, and because of that, myths and misinformation tend to keep floating around. It is a safe, effective, and pain-relieving dental procedure that can save a damaged or infected tooth and spare the need for extraction. In this blog, we’ll separate fact from fiction, providing you the real scoop on what root canal therapy is—and isn’t.
Myth 1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
Fact: Thanks to modern dental technology and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than regular filling. Most patients’ pain from a procedure — from an infected tooth, for example, or a tooth that should be extracted — is much worse than the procedure itself.
Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Illness or Systemic Health Issues
Fact: However, no scientific evidence exists behind the claims that root canal therapy causes disease in another place in the body. Root canal treatment eliminates bacteria and infection from the tooth, reducing the risk of future complications and promoting overall health.
Myth 3: It’s Better to Extract the Tooth Than Get a Root Canal
Fact: However, almost always, the best option is to keep your natural tooth. Tooth extraction can result in tooth movement over time, loss of bone density, and problems chewing. Replacements, like implants or bridges, are major pieces of dentistry that are more complex, time-consuming, and costly than saving your original tooth with root canal therapy.
Myth 4: Teeth That Have Had Root Canals Are More Likely to Break
Fact: Although teeth treated with root canals tend to become brittle over time, this risk is greatly lowered by placing a dental crown over the treated tooth. A crown reinforces the tooth, protecting it from damage or wear, so it can serve as designed for years to come.
Myth 5: Only Severely Infected Teeth Require Root Canals
Fact: Root canal therapy is also suggested for teeth that have deep decay, trauma, or damage to the pulp—even though pain isn’t significant. Taking care of these problems early helps prevent more serious issues and save the tooth before it becomes irreparably damaged.
The Truth About Root Canal Therapy
With root canal treatment, millions of patients worldwide can save their natural teeth and restore their oral well-being with a time-proven and trusted procedure. Arming yourself with the facts and dispelling the myths will make your dental care sense and help you approach it confidently.
At King Street Dental Centre, you can come to us with all your questions and get personalized service and care for your needs. If you live in or near Honolulu and are worried about tooth pain and root canal treatment, make an appointment today to meet with our skilled dentists. With regular check-ups and proper care, you can have a healthy smile.