Few dental procedures have a worse reputation than the root canal. Much of that reputation is based on outdated information. Modern root canal treatment is far more comfortable than most people expect. Here are the most common myths, and the facts behind them.
Myth: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
This is the most common myth, and it is largely false. We often see patients when they are already in extreme pain from the infection, and it’s common to associate that pain with the procedure itself.
We perform the procedure under local anesthesia, so the area is fully numb. Many patients compare the experience to having a filling. If you feel anxious, Marysville Dentistry offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you stay relaxed throughout the appointment.
Myth: It's Better Just to Pull the Tooth
Some patients assume extraction is the simpler option. In most cases, saving the natural tooth is the better long-term choice. A root canal preserves your natural tooth, which maintains your bite and prevents nearby teeth from shifting.
Extraction also creates a gap that often requires an implant or bridge, treatments that typically cost more than the root canal would have.
Myth: Root Canals Cause Illness
This myth comes from discredited research from nearly a century ago. The fact is that no scientific evidence exists that links root canal treatment to illness elsewhere in the body. Root canal treatment is a safe, routine procedure that removes infection from the tooth.
However, it is important to understand that, while the treatment itself does not cause illness, the infection it treats can become serious if left too long. An untreated dental infection can spread to surrounding tissue, bone, and in rare cases beyond the mouth, where it can become a serious health risk.
Do You Think You Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you have symptoms and think you need a root canal in Marysville but have been putting it off because of what you have heard, the reality is likely far less daunting than you expect. Contact Marysville Dentistry for an evaluation.