The Truth Behind Common Root Canal Myths

If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you may find yourself feeling a bit apprehensive. There is a good deal of misinformation about root canals that has been accepted as truth, but the fact is that root canals are a procedure to help you—not hurt you. If you need aroot canal procedure in San Jose, talk to your dentist to allay any fears you may have. Once you learn the truth about root canals, you’ll see why the procedure is necessary and how it can benefit you. Keep reading to debunk some of the most common myths about root canals.

Myth: Root Canals Cause Pain

Root canals have gotten an undeserved reputation over the years for being extremely painful. The truth is that the root canal procedure itself is far less painful than the conditions that cause it to become necessary. Most dental patients say that getting a root canal feels about the same as getting a filling, thanks to modern dental technologies and numbing agents. If you have a toothache that doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of an infection inside your tooth. Ignoring such a problem will only make it worse, and root canals can help relieve that pain.

Myth: Root Canals Cause Illness

A dental research study conducted almost 100 years ago may be to blame for the misconception that root canals can make you sick. However, that study was debunked long ago, and there is no scientific evidence linking root canals to other illnesses or diseases. Root canals are performed to remove harmful bacteria from the teeth, and the procedure can help prevent the tooth from becoming infected again.

Myth: Extraction Is Preferable Over Root Canal

Some people think that extracting a tooth is a better option than getting a root canal, but this is not true. Root canals save your natural teeth, which is almost always the best option for a dental patient. Teeth treated with root canals can last a long time, while extraction can necessitate other dental procedures that take multiple visits to complete. A root canal can help you speak, eat, and smile normally again.