Tackling the top 8 most common root canal myths

As the Super Bowl approaches this weekend, we thought we'd do a different type of tackling by playing defense on the top 8 myths we've seen regarding root canal therapy. The truth is, root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that can save your tooth from extraction and prevent any further damage. However, there are several myths surrounding this treatment that may cause people to shy away from it. In this blog post, we're going to bust eight common root canal myths and provide you with the facts.

Myth #1: Root canal therapy is extremely painful.

Fact: Root canal therapy has come a long way in recent years and is now a relatively painless procedure. In fact, the pain usually comes from the infected tooth that requires root canal therapy, not the procedure itself! With the use of local anesthesia by your endodontist, you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure. In fact, most people report feeling relief after the treatment.

Myth #2: Root canal therapy is not necessary if the tooth doesn't hurt.

Fact: Tooth pain is not the only indicator of an infection in the tooth. An infected tooth can result in swelling and abscesses that go unnoticed. Root canal therapy is needed to remove the infected pulp to avoid further complications like tooth loss or the infection spreading to other teeth.

Myth #3: Root canal therapy causes illness.

Fact: This myth started with research conducted by Dr. Weston A. Price in the 1920s, which has been discredited for decades. Root canal therapy has been proven to be safe and effective and is recognized by the American Dental Association.

Myth #4: Root canal therapy requires multiple appointments.

Fact: Root canal therapy can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection. Our board-certified endodontists here at WFW Endodontics will discuss the treatment plan with you and let you know what to expect.

Myth #5: Tooth extraction is better than root canal therapy.

Fact: Tooth extraction is not always the best option. A missing tooth can cause several dental problems, such as shifting of surrounding teeth and bone loss. Root canal therapy saves the natural tooth and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Myth #6: Root canal therapy weakens the tooth.

Fact: Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, but the rest of the tooth remains intact. However, a tooth without pulp can become brittle and is more susceptible to fracture. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend a crown to protect the tooth.

Myth #7: Root canal therapy is only for adults.

Fact: Root canal therapy can be performed on patients of all ages. Fortunately, most procedures are performed on adults, but children can also suffer from infected pulp. As an example, root canal therapy can save their baby teeth until they naturally fall out.

Myth #8: Root canal therapy is expensive.

Fact: Root canal therapy is often covered by dental insurance. And, the truth is, untreated tooth pain can cause more expensive issues down the road, so the healthiest AND least-expensive option is to work with an endodontist as soon as possible to save your teeth.

Root canal therapy doesn't deserve the bad reputation it has accumulated over the years. It's a safe, effective and often painless treatment that can save your tooth from being lost. By making an appointment with us, our team here at WFW Endodontics can help save your teeth and get you back to smiling in no time!