Root canal therapy is a valuable treatment for teeth with infected pulp, and anxieties regarding the procedure are rooted in a few persistent myths. This post will clear up three common misconceptions about root canals.

Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment is Painful

Root canal treatment has developed a reputation for being a painful procedure, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Modern tools, techniques, and anesthesia have made root canals virtually painless. You will be awake during the procedure, and you may feel some pressure during the drilling, but for most patients, the level of discomfort is very manageable.

Myth 2: Root Canals Prevent Cavities Permanently

It seems reasonable to think that a tooth will no longer be a target for decay after the pulp has been removed, but this is not the case. Worse yet, cavities can go undetected for longer on teeth treated with a root canal because there are no pain receptors inside the tooth.

Brush with care around any teeth that have been treated with root canals, and inspect them regularly for signs of cavities. As long as you maintain good dental hygiene, your teeth will be no more susceptible to decay after a root canal than they were before.

Myth 3: Root Canals are Only for Tooth Pain

Many dental professionals advise their patients to see root canal treatment as a solution for pain rather than a cause. However, it is possible to have a condition that requires root canal treatment without experiencing any tooth pain at all.

Root canal treatment removes the decaying pulp and nerve tissue inside of a tooth. When decay advances enough to cause the nerves inside a tooth to die, you will no longer receive pain signals from that tooth. This doesn't mean that the problem is resolved because the bacteria, pus, and decaying matter are still present inside the tooth.

Dentists use dental x-rays to determine if a root canal is necessary, even when no pain is present. A dental x-ray will reveal the precise level of decay inside of a tooth so that the dentist can determine the best path for treatment. Visit your dentist promptly if you notice secondary symptoms of tooth infection, such as swelling or pimple-like bumps on the gums.

Understanding the facts about root canals helps to ease anxieties about the process. If your dentist recommends a root canal, they can answer any other questions you may have so that you're completely prepared and comfortable during the procedure.