Exposed Myths About Root Canals

If we mentioned the words, “root canal,” to you, what would come to your mind? Many patients think about a dental procedure that is painful and one that is used when your tooth is either too sensitive to hot or cold. The procedure does sound scary and we are not denying that. However, it is not as scary of a procedure as you may think it is. The reason root canals get a bad rap is because there are many myths that circulate about them and over time, you start to likely believe them.

At Access Dental Care, we believe that you should always be informed about any procedure you plan to have done and a root canal is no exception. We want to provide you with all of the facts before you start to believe the myths that you hear. As always, if you are in need of an endodontist or you would like to discuss the root canal procedure, Dr. Song in Reno is here to help.

Before we expose the myths, we do want you to understand that not everything you hear about a root canal is accurate, so it does help to either research the information or contact our office. Okay, let’s go ahead and expose some of these myths that have been circulating around.

Myth 1: Root canals are very painful.

It is not a secret that many people think that the root canal procedure is painful and since they think this way, they often tell other people who then believe it and tell others. Even people who have never had the procedure performed think that it is painful and already do not want to come face to face with the procedure itself.

This procedure is NOT painful and is actually pretty closely comparable to a filling. You will not experience any long-term side effects or pain associated with the root canal. The reason people think the procedure is painful is because the pulp or inside of the tooth is removed. It DOES sound painful, but it is not. With the technology and medicine available today, you are going to be relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

In fact, Dr. Song will administer a local anesthetic to the area to ensure you do not experience any pain or discomfort. Access Dental Care wants you to know that we care about you and will walk you through the entire procedure.

Myth 2: Root canals will make you ill.

This is a myth that does not make too much sense, but it is one that does exist out there. Patients have entered into our office and said that they do not want to have a root canal performed because they saw information on the Internet that said the procedure would make them physically ill.

This is a false claim and one that has been debunked and exposed time and time again. There is no data to show that you will become ill. In fact, the procedure actually stops the deterioration of your tooth and prevents infection.

Root canal procedures are effective and safe. This procedure is used to SAVE your tooth and prevent you from having to have additional procedures performed.

When it comes down to it, there is no adequate replacement for your natural teeth and you want to save them whenever possible. While there are tooth replacement options, they only mimic your natural teeth and they do not actually replace them. When you have dentures, dental implants, or any other false teeth options, you may still run into problems and troubles when you eat, talk, and perform your regular duties throughout the day.

Myth 3: Have the tooth pulled. It is a better option.

Wrong. Dr. Song wants you to know that we will NEVER simply tell you to have your tooth pulled because it is NOT the best option. Root canal treatments will SAVE your natural teeth and should be relied upon whenever you have a tooth that needs to be saved.

Nothing can adequately replace your natural teeth and while you can have tooth replacement options, sometimes they fail and they may make you feel uncomfortable for a while as you chew and talk.

When you come into Access Dental Care, we will work with you to ensure that a root canal is the best treatment option for you. We will ONLY recommend a tooth extraction for you when it is absolutely needed.

Endodontic Treatment is Successful

Endodontic treatment is extremely successful and thousands of patients have been treated in our office. You need your natural teeth and this treatment procedure can make sure that happens. Root canals do last a lifetime when they are done properly and when you take care of them as you are supposed to.

If for some reason you need to have a tooth extraction performed, Dr. Song will go over your tooth replacement options while you are here in our office.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Today

If you would like to learn more about endodontic treatments, call us now. When you come into our Reno office for a consultation, Dr. Song will sit down and talk to you about the procedure and also make any additional recommendations that need to be made. Sometimes, you may need to have an additional procedure performed BEFORE you can have the root canal completed.

We try our best not to do too many treatments at once, so if you do need to have additional procedures, we will often schedule you to come back into our office to finish the root canal procedure. Whether you have dental decay, gum disease, or think you may have a dental emergency, our team is here for you and is ready to work with you.

To schedule an appointment or FREE consultation with our endodontist, Dr. Song, call Access Dental Care today. We are happy to help you and can’t wait to see you smile from ear to ear once again.