5 Common Myths About Root Canal Therapy, Debunked

Teeth are complicated parts of the mouth, and the enamel is only part of the story. The translucent enamel exterior covers a pale yellowish dentin underneath, which sits above your cementum, covering the tooth root at the base. 

Enamel is strong, but sugars and harmful bacteria can still penetrate and cause significant damage.

We have many ways to help preserve natural teeth, but some procedures have a reputation that makes people want to avoid them. Root canals are a safe and effective way to support teeth. Still, a combination of dental anxieties and recent studies showing how people can be influenced by online medical misinformation makes the procedure less appealing. 

Let’s get to the bottom of the confusion by examining what root canals are, how they work, and what people often get wrong about them.

Dr. Nils Anderson and our Village Dental medical staff are here to provide Richmond Hill, Georgia, residents with the correct information about dental care and help protect their teeth.

Root canal basics

When the enamel covering the teeth erodes, bacteria cause infections that spread to the layers underneath and eventually reach the tooth pulp in the root. Once the infection sets in, it can cause significant damage to the tooth and continue to harm the surrounding gums. 

Root canals remove the infected pulp, eliminating the nerves and blood vessels inside that can cause severe pain.

Once finished, you’re given a temporary filling to seal it and keep it protected before the next stage of treatment, which can include a dental crown.

How it helps

Infected teeth are at high risk of tooth decay, which can cause cracks and chips or cause you to lose the tooth entirely. Root canals not only eliminate the infection but also relieve the pain associated with it. Tooth damage from physical injuries or multiple dental procedures in weakened teeth can also lead to pain and other issues, which may require a root canal for relief.

Common misconceptions about them

Despite these proven benefits, these are some of the things people get wrong about root canals:

1. Myth: It’s a painful procedure

Fears of being in pain are common in dental anxieties, and here is no different. However, the whole point of this procedure is to remove the parts of the tooth that cause inflammation and pain, thereby helping you feel better.

2. Myth: The process causes illness

This is partly due to a faulty report from about a century ago that linked root canals to arthritis and several other illnesses. Root canals are completely safe and better for your oral health than extractions.

3. Myth: Lack of pain means I don’t need one

Tooth pain is the most common reason people come in for dental visits, but many assume the problem has resolved itself because the pain has gone away. However, tooth decay often occurs with little to no pain.

4. Myth: A root canal removes the tooth

This procedure is performed to save the tooth, as preserving your natural teeth is always the priority. The question of replacing teeth only happens when the damage to them is too severe for a root canal to save.

5. Myth: Pulling the tooth is preferable to getting a root canal

Nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s always best to keep your natural tooth when possible. 

Dental visits can make people anxious, and we understand that. We’re dedicated to helping you through it. However, our goal is to help you stay healthy, and root canals are an essential way to accomplish that goal. For concerns about root canals and other procedures you may need, please contact Dr. Anderson and Village Dental for answers and treatment.