The words root canal can often conjure feelings of dread and anxiety. It’s a dental procedure so often joked about and the subject of many horror stories. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there. For some, the fear of treatment may be worse than the toothache itself.
At My Family Dental, we believe that knowledge of a procedure is the first step in alleviating any anxiety you might have. Your dental health and comfort is our ultimate goal. That’s why we want to debunk some of the most common myths about root canal treatment. This essential, safe treatment isn’t something to be feared – in fact, it’s intended to alleviate pain and, most importantly, save your natural tooth. Let’s separate the facts from the fiction.
Myth 1: Root Canals are a Very Painful Procedure
The Reality: Treating a root canal is effective in relieving tooth pain; it does not cause pain itself.
This is in fact the biggest myth of all, and one of the most enduring. The reputation of pain caused by a root canal goes back to an era when dental techniques and anaesthesia were far less developed. In most cases, pain is caused by an infected or inflamed pulp in the tooth, before the treatment even starts. With the latest technology and good local anaesthetics that we have available now, the procedure itself is usually just as comfortable as a routine filling – the only difference is it lasts a little longer.
At My Family Dental, your comfort is our top priority. We make sure that the site is fully numb before we start, so you won’t feel a thing. Most patients say that they feel relief as soon as the first hour or so following the procedure, since the source of the infection has been removed.
Myth 2: Extracting the Tooth is a Better Option
The Reality: Saving your natural tooth is always the best option, wherever possible.
Although extracting a problematic tooth might seem like a fast and easy way out, it can cause a whole lot of other problems later. There are several benefits to saving your natural tooth:
- Maintains Proper Chewing: Your natural teeth help you chew well and get satisfaction from your favourite foods.
- Preserves Jawbone and Alignment: After removing a tooth, neighbouring teeth may start to shift into the empty space. This can mess with your bite and cause problems with your jaw. The bone in the jaw that once supported the tooth may begin to break down, too.
- Avoids More Costly and Complex Procedures: The gap created when a tooth is removed may need filling to avoid further complications. This requires treatments such as a dental bridge or dental implant, both of which are more complex and costly compared to a root canal and crown. A root canal provides the most cost-effective and longer-term solution for your smile, as it saves your natural tooth.
Myth 3: Root Canals Cause Other Illnesses
The Reality: There is no scientific evidence that root canals are linked to disease in other areas of the body.
This is a myth supported by poorly conceived and well-debunked research from the early 20th century. For decades, modern, peer-reviewed scientific studies have debunked the notion that root canal treatment can bring on scientific illness, and these claims have been rejected by the world’s leading health organisations.
In fact, the reverse is true. If a tooth is left untreated, harmful bacteria can spread, resulting in serious oral and systemic diseases. A root canal removes the bacteria from the infected tooth and helps stem its spread, thereby defending you from the infection and maintaining your overall health.
Myth 4: You Only Need a Root Canal if Your Tooth Hurts
The Reality: A dead tooth nerve may not cause any pain, but it still needs to be treated.
Although an infected tooth is commonly associated with a crushing, throbbing pain, it’s not the only symptom. Sometimes the nerve in a tooth can die slowly and without noticeable discomfort. You may notice signs other than pain, such as:
- Discolouration of the tooth (grey to dark).
- Swelling in your gums near the tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (a fistula).
- Heat and cold sensitivity that lingers.
If the nerve is dead, infection can linger, silently damaging the surrounding bone. That is exactly why it’s important to go for regular dental check-ups and cleans. Examining and X-raying a tooth and knowing for sure if it’s non-vital or infected will mean issues are spotted quickly and immediate intervention offered, before it becomes a major problem.
Myth 5: The Benefits of a Root Canal are Only Temporary
The Reality: A root-canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
One of the most common misconceptions about a root canal is that it just fixes the tooth for the short term and in the end, it will inevitably need to be removed anyway. The whole idea of the procedure is to cleanse, disinfect and seal the inside of a tooth so it can last a long time.
A root canal tooth is no longer vital, so it can become more brittle over time. Your dentist will always advise putting a dental crown on the treated tooth to prevent fracture and allow the tooth to restore some of its function. With crown protection and good oral hygiene practice including regular brushing, flossing and dental visits, your restored tooth will last as long as any other natural tooth.
Trust the Experts at My Family Dental
A trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you are in pain. At My Family Dental, we are here to welcome you and make sure that you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible. We pride ourselves on an outstanding level of care and ensure that all treatment options are discussed openly and honestly to put your mind at ease.
If you have tooth pain or have been told that you may need a root canal, don’t let myths and misconceptions prevent you from getting the root canal treatment you need. Your teeth deserve the best quality treatment – and that’s what we offer here in North Queensland.
We have locations throughout the state in Townsville, Kalynda, Bowen, Emerald, Ingham and Innisfail. For more information, contact your nearest clinic or send us an enquiry via the contact form.
