Myths About Root Canal For many children these days, if you ask them what they fear most, they will say something like bugs or sharks. Many adults, however, are terrified of making dental appointments for many factors, which include loud noises, long wait times, and of course, how much it might hurt. Children are fortunate to be living in a modern dental age where many factors that might have traumatized them 30 years ago are practically non-existent now. If you have been suffering through tooth pain regularly, there are options which Duggan Endodontics would be happy to share with you. One of these is root canal therapy. Two of the most common myths about root canal therapy include that the procedure is painful, and that root canals really aren't needed, that it's better to have the tooth extracted instead. Myth: Root Canals Are PainfulMany people find they would feel much more comfortable with dental procedures done if they did not have to experience the anxiety that comes from having surgery. Fortunately, it has become widely recognized in most medical fields that pain is not an enjoyable sensation, so there are now better, more effective methods available for alleviating discomfort before, during, and after your treatment. If you have been told you may need to have your tooth extracted, first see if having a root canal is a viable option. Without pain as a factor to hinder your decision, you should know that saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is not only likely but also highly recommended if at all possible. While there are excellent prosthetic options for restoring an extracted tooth, nothing can ever come close when compared to the real thing. Myth: A Root Canal Can't Really Benefit YouThe tooth consists of several layers, which include the enamel and dentin. The center contains the pulp, which is critical in developing your tooth as a child or as a young adult but is not essential to maintaining the tooth beyond that. If a root canal is recommended as an effective treatment, this means the pulp is likely infected and can be removed without compromising the health of your tooth. Once we have comfortably numbed you from any pain, we will make a small incision in the gum near the infected tooth. We remove the inflicted pulp and clean the area of harmful bacteria. The hole is sealed with a type of internal filling which prevents the bacteria from spreading and causing further damage. The cut is then sutured, and you may be given an ice pack to help with any swelling. Contact Us to Learn MoreIf you have additional questions about root canals, their benefits, and reasons to have this procedure done, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact our Duggan Endodontics office at (512)-380-0777. We can get you set up for a consultation. |
