Myth Busting: Separating Root Canal Fact from Fiction

Few dental treatments are as shrouded in mystery and myth as root canal surgery. There are numerous so-called ‘facts’ about the treatment which are actually complete fabrication; and vice versa! Here’s some of the more common comments that we endodontists hear about the procedure; see if you can work out whether or not they are true…

Facts and Fiction About Root Canal Therapy

• When you have root canal surgery, you’re killing off the tooth. This, thankfully, is complete fiction. Actually, when you have root canal treatment, you’re essentially saving the tooth, not finishing it off! The procedure cleans the inside of the tooth, which enables it to heal.

• If your treatment goes wrong, you’ll need the tooth taken out. Again, this is another myth. Most root canal treatments are a success the first time round, but if you’re one of the few who it doesn’t work for, it’s entirely possible to have another go at the procedure.

• You’ll need a crown afterwards. This is generally true. After root canal therapy, it’s likely that your tooth will have a big filling in it, which leaves it vulnerable to breaking. A crown will help to protect it from damage.

• Your tooth will be sensitive for a long time after the procedure. Whilst it’s true that you may experience some sensitivity immediately afterwards, it’s certainly not true that you’ll notice any long-lasting sensations of discomfort.

• It’s one of the most expensive dental treatments. Whilst there is a cost involved, having root canal therapy is actually cheaper than having a tooth extracted and a dental implant fitted.

More Questions About the Treatment?

If you want to find out more about root canal therapy and what is involved, simply look on the Citrus Park Endodontics site, or alternatively, you can call the team direct at 813 374 2290.