Busting Endodontic Myths

ROOT CANALS TEND to get a very bad rep. You’ve probably heard someone say “I’d rather have my teeth drilled” or “I’d rather get a root canal” when talking about something horrible on their to-do list. But this bad reputation is based on myths, not reality, and we’re here to set the record straight!

Myth #3: Root canal treatment makes you sick.

Not everything we read online is credible, including claims that getting root canal treatment leaves you more vulnerable to future illness or disease. The idea is based on poorly designed research about the causes of diseases that has long since been debunked. No reliable scientific evidence exists that connects root canal treatment to increased risk of disease.

It’s actually the opposite, because oral health is connected to overall health. If a tooth needs root canal treatment because of infection and decay, the bacteria causing it can get into the bloodstream and pose a serious threat to overall health. Poor oral health is linked to an increased risk of developing a number of chronic conditions, so make sure to take good care of your teeth and gums!

Myth #2: It’s better to just pull the tooth.

We understand; when you have a tooth that needs treatment, it can be easy to think that just getting rid of it is the best solution. It hurts and you want it gone. However, tooth extraction really should be used only as a last resort. Prosthodontics has come a long way, but our natural teeth are still better than dental implants or dentures, so it’s crucial to save them whenever possible.

Myth #1: Root canal treatment hurts!

This misconception comes from the fact that teeth that need root canal treatment are often already causing the patient a lot of pain. It also comes from an earlier time in the field of dentistry, when we didn’t have the tools and technology we have now to ensure patient comfort. Modern root canal therapy doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it! Don’t delay essential treatment like root canal therapy based on outdated ideas about endodontics.

Have Other Endodontic Worries? Call Us Up!

One of our highest priorities is the comfort of our patients, so if you have any other worries about what root canal treatment is like, give us a call. We’d love to explain the procedure to you and put you at ease.

When you come to the endodontist, you’re in great hands!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.