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Have you heard that root canals are painful and dangerous? If so, it’s time to set the record straight. Among all dental procedures, root canal therapy is probably the most misunderstood. Misinformation has caused unnecessary fear, causing many patients to avoid treatment when it is necessary.
Myths about the procedure have persisted for many years, but the reality is very different: root canals are safe, effective, and often the best solution for saving a tooth. In this blog, we’ll debunk 5 of the most common myths about root canal therapy.
5 Common Myths about Root Canal Therapy
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
Many people believe that root canal therapy is intolerably painful. This could be because of a misconception based on outdated procedures and stories from a number of years back. Actually, most modern-day root canal therapies are less painful than what most people imagine. Due to developments in technology and the use of local anesthetics, the procedure has become practically painless.
Studies have shown that more than 95% of all patients report little or no pain after treatment. Indeed, a root canal is often no more painful than getting a simple filling.
The fact is that procedures involving root canals are performed under anesthesia to ensure comfort. With most procedures, you feel no pain at all. The discomfort following a root canal is generally very mild and short-lived.
If you’re concerned about pain, rest assured that modern root canal therapy in Oklahoma Cityis designed to be as comfortable as possible.
Myth #2: A root canal causes infections.
Another common myth is that root canals cause infections. People generally believe that the procedure itself can lead to further complications, such as abscesses or new infections. However, this is far from the truth.
The fact is, root canal therapy actually eliminates the infection inside the tooth. During treatment, the infected pulp is cleaned and then sealed. It is meant to take away infection, not give more. If post-operative instructions are followed correctly, there is an extremely low chance of re-infection.
Root canal therapy is specifically designed to remove noxious bacteria that reduce the risk of further infection.
Myth #3: Root Canals Lead to Serious Health Issues
There’s a persistent myth that root canals can lead to serious health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, or other systemic issues. This claim has been widely circulated. However, there is no scientific evidence to support it.
This myth has been debunked by numerous studies. According to dental and medical professionals, there is no credible link between root canal therapy and systemic diseases. The treatment of root canals is safe and effective. It does not harm your general health when carried out by a professional dentist.
Root canal therapy in Oklahoma City is safe and does not have any evidence of causing illness anywhere in the body except for the tooth that underwent the procedure.
Myth #4: You only need a root canal when you are experiencing severe pain.
It’s a common belief that root canals are only needed if the tooth in question really hurts. Though one symptom of needing a root canal is indeed pain, it’s not the only symptom.
Root canal treatment is sometimes required even when there is no pain. Teeth that have extensive decay, cracks, or other problems may need to be treated with a root canal to save the tooth, even if pain is not present. Regular dental visits can catch these problems early, avoiding the need for more invasive treatments.
Not all painful teeth require root canal therapy. Sometimes, this treatment may be recommended by dentists based on the condition of the tooth, whether it hurts or not.
Myth #5: Root Canals Have a High Failure Rate
Many men and women believe that root canals usually fail and that re-treatment or extraction is generally required. Such a myth could discourage many from pursuing the treatment they need.
The fact is that root canal therapy works quite well, with success rates measuring as high as 95%. With modern techniques and proper aftercare, root canal treatments work very well. As a matter of fact, the rate of success is similar to other dental procedures, such as filling or crowning.
The success rate for root canal therapy is very high, and the treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
Root canal therapy is a safe, effective, and often necessary dental treatment to save your tooth. But by dispelling these common myths, we hope you will feel more at ease with the procedure.
The truth is, root canals are painless and often necessary to ensure years of continued good oral health. If you have a painful or sensitive tooth, don’t wait until it worsens. See a dentist today and explore whether root canal therapy is right for you.
