Unveiling The Truth Behind Root Canal Myths
Patients at our Healthy Folks clinic have told us many falsehoods that kept them from getting root canals for years. Undeserved criticism and misinformation have plagued the treatment.
Everyone should stop believing these root canal myths and understand the facts.
Root canals—when do I need one?
Imagine having intense discomfort, swollen gums, “pimples” on your gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a cracked or dead tooth. You’ll likely need a root canal. A dentist or endodontist can treat you in 90 minutes. The technique does not remove the tooth root. Instead, your doctor will drill the tooth to remove decay and nerve damage. Treatment preserves natural teeth. Keeping natural teeth makes chewing simpler, avoiding bridges and implants. Despite internet claims, it’s not that bad. Here are the most common root canal myths and their truths:
Truth Behind Root Canal Myths
Myth 1: Root canals hurt the most.
Undoubtedly, “root canal” sounds scary. A root canal dentist numbs the gums with an anesthetic. Numbing injection discomfort frequently exceeds procedure pain.
People fear root canals because they misunderstand them. Dental professionals can give anti-anxiety medicine and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make the operation almost forgettable. Root canal treatment in Abu Dhabi usually allows people to return to work or school the following day! The area hurts for a few days, but not severely.
Myth 2: Don’t need a root canal because my tooth hurts no more.
Truth: A tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold suddenly ceases being sensitive is not because it got better. Since the tooth died, you can’t feel it. A dead tooth will fall out on its own, but waiting is harmful. Dead teeth can spread illness. Abscessed teeth can cause excruciating pain, fever, face edema, and death if untreated.
Myth 3: Root canals remove tooth roots.
Truth: Many people think this surgery pulls their dental roots from the gums. Contrary to popular opinion, root canals do not remove tooth roots. The dentist drills into the tooth to remove the pulp, damaged nerve tissue, germs, and other debris utilising root canal files. Imagine dental canals as ear or watercourse canals. The canal is washed with sodium hypochlorite. It feels like a filling.
Myth 4: Tooth extraction is better than a root canal.
Always try to keep your natural teeth. One set is all you get. After removing a tooth, your other teeth may shift and become crooked. Missing teeth can cause bone loss.
If you change your mind and wish to fix the gap in your smile, implants and bridges are expensive. Pulling a tooth that may be repaired with a root canal may save money, but it can harm the tooth.
Myth 5: Root canals are harmful.
Truth: The worst myth is that root canals raise the risk of cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, heart and liver disease, and arthritis. Today, dental offices must follow strict disease control and staff and patient safety regulations. For instance, modern dentist offices autoclave all instruments between patients. All patients receive new disposable needles.
Price recommended extractions over root canals for safety. Root canals reduce bloodstream bacteria risk compared to extractions. Misinformation prevents people from seeking tooth-saving treatment, which is harmful.
Myth 6: Root canal therapy is temporary.
A root canal-treated tooth can live forever. After the operation, the tooth loses its nerve and blood supply. The tooth becomes fragile. The tooth is protected and bacteria-free with a crown or filling at a follow-up consultation.
Root canal failure occurs when the patient feels fine following treatment and does not return for a crown or filling. You’re not done just because the agony is gone. A crown may be needed for a molar. It shields teeth from chewing and grinding.
With the right knowledge, root canal treatment in Abu Dhabi aren’t so scary! Find a reliable local root canal provider. They can reassure you by detailing the procedure before and after. Contact our Healthy Folks office with any root canal questions.
