What’s the Truth When It Comes to Root Canal Myths?

A root canal may sound scarier than trying to babysit two-year-old sextuplets for the weekend, but if it does, you probably just need to learn more about it. Why does the term “root canal” elicit fear in so many people? It’s important to remove the fiction and present the facts about root canal therapy. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in La Plata about root canal myths and get more information about a procedure that has helped a lot of people through the years.

What Are Some Myths About Root Canal Treatment?

It’s important to know what’s fake so you can recognize what’s real.

• Root canals are a lengthy process that takes multiple appointments. Nowadays, root canal treatment may take 1-2 hours with no complications.
• Root canals are ineffective. A well-executed root canal with an appropriate filling or crown has a remarkably high success rate. In fact, treatments last a lifetime in about 85 percent of cases. If a tooth becomes infected again years after a root canal, it can usually be treated again.
• A root canal procedure removes pain instantly. During the recovery period, it’s natural to experience some discomfort and soreness. Fortunately, the symptoms are often mild and nothing that can’t be remedied with a cold compress and an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Root canal treatment itself hurts. This is false, considering the treatment is performed to relieve pain caused by inflammation of the tooth pulp chamber or a dental infection. With anesthesia, it is no more painful than a filling.

Here’s the Truth About Root Canal Therapy

Consider these points as you determine if this treatment can help you.

• You could still need a root canal even after your toothache pain subsides. The pain may seem to have “gone away,” but in actuality, you could’ve waited too long to see your dentist, and the pulp in your tooth has died.
• You will need to take painkillers after a root canal. The paint is caused by inflammation around the tooth, not the procedure, and it is only temporary. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help.
• A root canal can be expensive but effective. While it doesn’t always come cheap, a root canal saves a tooth so that a person can still use it to maintain normal chewing function. And paying for a root canal and dental crown is less expensive than extracting a tooth and replacing it with a bridge or dental implant. Plus, methods like dental insurance and flexible financing can help you manage the cost!
• Teeth with root canal therapy often require a dental crown. Usually, a tooth that needs a root canal has a very large cavity or filling. This tooth is at greater risk of being fractured, so your dentist may recommend a crown to provide stability and structure.

Like many other dental treatments, root canal therapy has pros and cons, but it has a remarkably high success rate and usually lasts a lifetime. Now that you have more information about root canal myths, if you have a tooth that’s in major trouble, talk to your dentist in La Plata to see what they think is your best course of action.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Hochman earned his dental doctorate from Howard University. He’s a member of the American Dental Association and has more than four decades of experience in the dental field. “I believe in living this life to the fullest and have seen how beautiful, healthy smiles can positively affect people’s lives,” he said. If you are interested in root canal therapy, he uses an in-house CBCT scanner to capture detailed 3D images of your mouth which makes it easier to confirm the need for a root canal and ensures the process is more predictable. Schedule an appointment on his website or call (240) 349-2439.