Most of us cringe when we hear the words ‘root canal’. We get images of painful visits to the dentist when we were young or worse. From getting cold feet to finding excuses to delay the inevitable, we try every which way to avoid a visit to the endodontist.
But did you know that with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments (RCT for short), are not painful anymore? They are as simple and easy to get done as a regular dentist appointment.
Unfortunately, not many of us know this. Over the years, quite a few myths have sprung up around root canal treatment.
So, let’s use this blog to bust a few common myths about RCTs:
Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment is Painful.
Reality: This is one of the primary reasons why people do not look forward to a root canal. There is an all-pervading urban legend of sorts that these treatments are painful.
Well, they used to be.
But, RCTs are not painful any more thanks to modern technology and anesthetics. All you have to do is to find a root canal specialist to experience a pain-free root canal. Most Endodontists use local anesthesia but if you want, you can also go with general sedation root canal treatment.
Myth 2: Root Canal Treatments are worse than Tooth Extractions.
Reality: Tooth Extractions are done under local anesthesia so you do not feel a lot of pain when your dentist pulls out a tooth. The irony is that root canals are also carried out under local anesthesia and most patients do not find any difference between dental filling procedures and root canals.
This myth has been handed down to us from ages long gone when root canals were painful.
If you go to an experienced endodontist or root canal specialist, you will realize that modern treatments are virtually pain-free. And the best part is that they allow you to retain your natural teeth for years to come.
Myth 3: Root Canal Treatments are Expensive.
Reality: Root Canals may seem expensive if you think short term. If a tooth has decayed, getting it extracted instead of going for a root canal may seem to be an easier option since it only involves one sitting and done relatively quickly.
A root canal may take a bit more time, albeit not more than one to at most three sittings. They may seem expensive because of the cost of the crown involved. However, it is a cheaper alternative in the long run.
Why you ask?
Well because, you will have to spend a considerable amount on a full denture, partial denture, dental implant or dental bridge if you get your teeth extracted every time one becomes infected.
In addition, with age, the gums shrink and the dentures will have to change as you age.
Myth 4: Root Canal Treatments Require Multiple Visits Every Time.
Reality: This is a popular myth simply because people do not know how much root canal treatment methodology has evolved over the years.
Yes, root canals used to take multiple sittings but that was years ago. RCTs can now be completed in a single sitting also.
Endodontists may advise you to visit for a checkup after the treatment to ensure that the tooth is healing properly.
To wind up, root canal treatments allow you to keep your natural teeth in near-perfect condition as long as possible. This can help you feel great about yourself since teeth play an important role not only in chewing and well, smiling but also in the way your face appears, especially the jawline.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, you can maintain your natural teeth well into your golden years.
Do you have any questions or want to know more about Endodontics? If yes, do ping us on (703) 650-9990 for more details. We love to hear from you. Thanks for reading. Have an awesome day.