If the phrase “root canal” makes you nervous or terrified, you’re not alone.
Root canal treatment has long been one of the most misunderstood dental procedures. Often associated with pain, multiple visits, and worst-case scenarios, it’s no wonder many people feel nervous about it.
But here’s the complete truth: most of what you’ve heard is likely based on outdated information or myths passed along without evidence. In this blog, we’ll debunk seven of the most common myths about root canal treatment so you can make informed decisions about your dental health.
1. Myth: Root Canal Treatment is Extremely Painful
This is perhaps the most common misconception. Many people imagine a root canal as a painful ordeal. So is root canal treatment painful? Let’s find the truth.
The truth: With modern dental tools, methods, and local anaesthesia, root canal treatment is virtually painless. In fact, most patients report that the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. What’s more, the purpose of a root canal is to relieve pain caused by an infection, not to cause it.
2. Myth: It’s Better to Extract the Tooth Than Get a Root Canal
Some believe removing the tooth is easier or cheaper in the long run. But this idea can be misleading. So how long does it take to do root canal treatment?
The truth: It’s almost always better to save your natural tooth. Extraction can lead to alignment issues, bone loss, and the need for additional procedures like implants or bridges which are more expensive and invasive than a root canal. Root canal treatment cost is comparatively cheaper and safer for dental health.
3. Myth: Root Canal Means Multiple Long Visits
The image of endless trips to the dentist can scare off many from starting treatment.
The truth: Most root canal treatments today are completed in just one or two sessions, depending on the complexity of the case. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, procedures are more efficient, less invasive, and take less time than they did a decade ago.
4. Myth: Root Canal-Treated Teeth Don’t Last Long
Some think the treated tooth is weak and destined to fail.
The truth: With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. A crown or cap is usually placed over the tooth to protect and restore its strength. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are necessary to ensure long-term success.
5. Myth: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness in the Body
Are there any root canal treatment side effects? There was once a belief that root canals could cause systemic diseases, based on flawed early 20th-century research.
The truth: This myth has been thoroughly debunked by modern scientific studies. Root canal treatments are safe and localised procedures. There’s no credible evidence linking them to illnesses elsewhere in the body.
6. Myth: You Don’t Need a Root Canal if There’s No Pain
People often assume that if there’s no pain, everything is fine.
The truth: Not all infections cause pain immediately. Some teeth may die slowly, without obvious symptoms. Your dentist may spot signs of decay or infection through X-rays or clinical examination. Ignoring these signs could lead to a painful abscess or loss of the tooth later.
7. Myth: Root Canals Always Fail
The fear of failure makes some people avoid the procedure entirely.
The truth: When root canal treatment steps are performed by a skilled dentist or endodontist and followed by proper aftercare, root canals have a success rate up to 90%. Most failures happen due to poor hygiene, skipping follow-up treatment (like placing a crown), or not addressing the problem early enough.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment doesn’t deserve the bad reputation it often carries. It’s a highly effective, routine procedure designed to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. Believing outdated myths can delay essential care and lead to bigger problems down the line.
Now that we have debunked most myths and outdated news about root canal, are you ready for your dental check up? Mindful dentist in London is one of the best dental clinics that specialise in root canal treatment in south east London. Their experienced dentists paired with advanced dental machinery ensures that the procedure is carried away seamlessly without any pain. Visit Mindful Dentist to learn more about their treatment options.
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