Dispelling Some Common Myths about Root Canal Therapy

If ever a dental treatment received bad press, it was root canal therapy. There are numerous myths in circulation, declaring the procedure to be unbelievably painful and unnecessary, so it’s unsurprising that so many people feel anxious about the prospect of having it done!

Here’s just a few of the most common myths surrounding Root Canal Therapy, along with some concrete facts about the procedure.

Fact or Fiction? Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment

• ‘It’s the most painful thing I ever had done’. This is by far and away the most common myth about root canal therapy. The actual truth of the matter is that the treatment itself is completely painless, as it’s carried out under anesthetic. In fact, the cause of the pain is the infection itself, not the procedure.

• ‘It’s terrifying’. Admittedly, for those with a phobia of dentists, root canal therapy can be a scary prospect. However, dentists and endodontic specialists alike are highly experienced when it comes to helping settle nerves and calm anxiety. If you’re feeling particularly worried, you can ask for some nitrous oxide (also known as ‘laughing gas’) which can help with severe anxiety.

• ‘I’ve got to have my whole tooth out’. Many people mistakenly believe that having root canal surgery means that the entire tooth is taken out. This is certainly not the case. In fact, the purpose is to save your tooth, not to lose it! All that happens is your canal (the center of the tooth) is cleaned, in order to remove the bacteria.

• ‘My teeth don’t hurt, so I definitely don’t need root canal treatment’. We wish this one was true, but sometimes, you may still require root canal surgery, even if you’re not experiencing any pain. Your dentist will be able to alert you to any potential problems, which is why it’s so important to have regular check-ups.

Questions? Ask the Experts!

If you’re unsure of the facts of root canal treatment, then it makes sense to talk to the experts. Simply get in contact with your local root canal specialist and get to grips with the facts of the procedure… not the fiction!