Myths about Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is done to treat infected teeth. However, there are many myths that surround the treatment, which prevents people from seeking the treatment. Here are we debunking some of them:

Root Canal Is Painful

While some patients do experience some discomfort, this is usually due to the infection present and not the procedure itself. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the pain and allow you to remain comfortable throughout your procedure. Some patients are able to sleep through their root canal treatment!

Tooth Will Be Weakened After Root Canal Treatment

There is a common myth out there that a tooth that has a root canal will become weaker over time. This is simply not true! A root canal simply removes the infected material inside the tooth and seals the canal to prevent future infection.

After a root canal, the tooth is actually stronger than before the procedure. The nerves are removed during the procedure, so there is no longer a risk of an abscessed tooth or infection. This means that the tooth can function normally once it has been treated. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, contact your dentist to see if root canal therapy is right for you.

Root Canal Causes Illness

Few people know that the root canal procedure is actually beneficial to the overall health of the patient. While this procedure is often feared due to its reputation, it actually relieves the tooth pain associated with an infected tooth. It also saves the tooth from needing to be extracted in the future. A serious infection within the pulp and root of a tooth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can weaken the structure and appearance of the face. Removal of the infected tissue can prevent this from occurring.

Root Canal Can Damage Oral Health

Many patients believe that removing the roots of their teeth will lead to permanent damage to their oral health. This is not true at all. All teeth are formed with roots that extend into the jawbone to allow for proper stabilization. Once the root of the tooth becomes diseased or injured, it needs to be removed to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth and areas of the mouth. Additionally, leaving a tooth with an exposed root can actually be more damaging and painful than the removal of the root itself. 

If you are interested in learning more about our services, call Smyrna Dental Group in Smyrna, TN, at (615) 355-6800 to schedule an appointment with our dentists or request an appointment online.