When you have a toothache and visit your dentist, two words can invoke anxiety and terror in most cases: root canal. Visions of a long, tedious, painful experience may come to mind, and you might try to convince yourself the pain isn’t that bad. You might even ask your dentist to pull your tooth so you don’t have to endure the root canal procedure.
If any of that sounds familiar, you need to understand the myths and realities of root canal therapy and how a root canal can save your tooth and keep your smile intact. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
If you have a toothache, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, a chipped or cracked tooth, or swollen and tender gums, you may have a dental infection that needs root canal therapy. Your “root canal” is the hollow part of your tooth containing nerve tissue, blood vessels, and pulp.
This pulp nourishes your tooth; when it becomes infected or inflamed, your dentist can remove the infection in what is known as root canal therapy. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
- Making you comfortable—The first step to a root canal is relieving your pain. We will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth completely. You won’t experience any more discomfort after this point.
- Cleaning the root canal—Next, we will make a small hole in your tooth and remove the infected or dead pulp tissue.
- Filling the root canal—Once the infection is removed, we will clean and disinfect the area before sealing your tooth.
- Adding a crown or filling—The final step of the root canal process involves either a tooth-colored filling or a dental crown, depending on how much protection and support your tooth requires.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Excruciatingly Painful
One of the most prominent myths about root canals is how much pain you have to endure during the procedure. You’ve heard the graphic stories about how torturous the procedure can be, and you want no part of the pain.
The reality is that root canals are not painful; treating your dental infection eliminates the pain you’re experiencing. With today’s modern dental techniques and the use of anesthesia, you will be comfortable both during and after your treatment is complete.
Myth #2: Root Canals Cause Illness and Spread Infection
Some people believe that root canal therapy can lead to serious illness; unfortunately, this myth comes from inaccurate research from almost 100 years ago. Extensive research conducted by the American Society of Endodontists concluded there is no connection between root canal therapy and any systemic diseases.
The reality is that removing infected tissue in your tooth’s root can keep the infection from spreading and improve your overall oral health.
Myth #3: Pulling the Tooth Is Always a Better Option
Many people think it’s easier and better to extract a tooth instead of undergoing root canal therapy; unfortunately, that can lead to further dental issues. When a tooth is pulled, it can cause your other teeth to shift into the gap in your smile and cause alignment issues. You may have trouble eating your favorite foods and lose valuable jawbone density without your tooth’s root stimulating your jaw.
The reality is that root canal therapy helps you preserve your natural tooth and keeps all your teeth functioning properly. You also won’t have to worry about expensive tooth replacement.
Reality Check: The Success Rate of Root Canal Therapy
According to the National Library of Medicine, root canal therapy is highly successful. One study followed hundreds of patients who had undergone root canal therapy and looked at the cumulative success rates after 10, 20, 30, and 37 years. The findings indicated root canal success at 93% after ten years, 85% after 20 years, 81% after 30 years, and 81% after 37 years.
This reality check is a fantastic representation of the success of root canal therapy over extraction.
Conclusion: Empowering Patients with Accurate Information
The bottom line is that it’s essential to dispel the myths surrounding root canals. Root canal therapy is a safe, effective alternative to tooth extraction and is essential for maintaining the best oral health possible. This routine procedure can eliminate your pain and save your tooth, helping you keep a healthy smile for many years.
To make an informed decision about what’s best for your smile, it’s a good idea to find a trusted dentist and ask for guidance and support.
Do You Need a Dentist in Topeka, KS?
If you or a loved one needs a root canal in Topeka, KS, contact the expert dental team at Topeka Dentistry! We will eliminate your discomfort and provide root canal therapy to save your natural tooth. Don’t go another day with a painful infection; contact our dental office at (785) 266-9100.