Thousands of root canals are performed every year to help patients repair the functionality of their smiles. We know that this procedure is effective and sometimes necessary, but that doesn’t stop most of us from disliking the idea of undergoing treatment. Dental anxiety, specifically surrounding root canal therapy, tooth extraction, and other forms of oral surgery is quite common.
A root canal is a form of restorative dentistry. Dental professionals who specialize in root canal therapy are known as endodontists. A drill is used to access the center of your tooth and remove the pulp located inside. The pulp is a soft sac where blood vessels and nerves meet. When it is harmed, it causes immense pain; the best way to save what’s left of your tooth is by receiving a root canal.
Here at our local dental clinic, we understand this. To help you feel better about such a procedure, we’ve compiled a list of common myths about receiving root canal therapy in Miramar. And, if you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact our dentist near you.
Myth 1: Root canals are painful.
This is arguably the most prominent myth, thanks to the circulation of so-called dental “horror stories” from strangers and on the internet. But this isn’t true!
To start, everyone’s pain tolerance is different, so what your mother is more sensitive to may not necessarily affect you to the same degree.
Second, when you come in to have this treatment done, your dentist will provide you with sedation dentistry – this branch of oral health care is designed to help patients relax and feel comfortable while in the dentist’s chair. There are a variety of options available to you including local anesthesia, medium sedation, or general anesthesia where you are put fully to sleep.
Talk to your dentist to learn more.
Myth 2: Tooth extractions are better.
This is not a fair comparison. Both a tooth extraction and root canal therapy are two different treatments, recommended for different purposes. Often, however, if a damaged or infected tooth needs to be repaired with a root canal but is not, tooth extraction will become necessary.
Once you undergo this procedure, a space will be left in your mouth; your other neighboring teeth may shift and start to fill in this space, leading to a crooked bite pattern. So, it’s important that you follow up with your dentist in Miramar afterward.
Myth 3: A root canal will weaken your teeth.
Of course, this isn’t true. If your tooth has sustained trauma, there’s an abscess, or an infection, for example, it is already very weak because your pulp (the inner core of your tooth) is damaged. The primary purpose of a root canal is to scrape out the dead pulp so your tooth can be made stable once again. In other words, a root canal will strengthen your tooth and your overall smile.
Myth 4: A root canal will cause disease.
This myth arose from uninformed individuals and, unfortunately, spread rather far and wide. But this has never been true. Again, your dentist will typically suggest receiving a root canal if you’re dealing with an oral disease or infection. Not only does this process boost a high success rate, but the results last.
Have questions or concerns? Are you ready to book a consultation with your dentist to find out more? Maybe you’re looking to finally schedule a root canal appointment of your own. Whatever the case is, the team at our dental clinic is here to assist you with anything you need.
Come into Miramar Smiles Dentistry!
Interested in root canal therapy near you? We encourage you to call, come into our dental office, or head over to our website to select a day and time that works best for you.
We look forward to working with you soon!
