A patient cringes on hearing that they require root canal treatment. But the fact is that it is a tooth-saving procedure. Since it’s a priority to always save the natural tooth, we should clear a few myths around this procedure.
Root canal treatment is painful
Decades ago the root canal treatment was a painful procedure but with modern-day technology, root canal treatments are no more painful and in fact, relieve the pain caused due to inflammation of the tooth.
Root canal treatment requires a lot of visits to the dentist
With the improved assistive technology, most root canals today can be done in one or two visits.
Root canal treatment causes other illnesses
There is no evidence to support that root canal treatments cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canal treatments are no more at risk of developing other illness as a consequence of an infection in the tooth.
Root canal treatments involve removing the roots of the tooth
During a root canal treatment, the dentist extracts the pulp from inside of the tooth, the roots of the tooth are not removed.
Pregnant women can’t have root canal treatments done
Pregnant women can and do have root canal treatments. Having the treatment does require an x-ray, but the radiation exposure is minimal and is aimed directly at the teeth. Also, if you are pregnant, the dentist will use a lead apron to cover your belly. But always be sure to let your dentist know beforehand that you are pregnant. The dentist will almost always take consent from your gynaecologist too in case of any complication.
Despite a root canal treatment, the tooth will come out eventually
If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, the treated tooth could last for the rest of your life.
No pain, no root canal treatment required
Many a time a tooth requires a root canal treatment when there is no pain present. In such cases, a dentist will always test the tooth to check if the pulp inside is infected and if it is then a root canal treatment becomes mandatory irrespective of the pain.
Extracting the tooth is better than getting a root canal treatment
There is nothing better than keeping your natural teeth as long as possible. There are plenty of options available to restore missing teeth but nothing like your own teeth to eat with.
Root canal treatment is enough and we do not require restoration
It is extremely important to make a follow-up appointment post root canal treatment to have the tooth permanently restored. Since the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth may become very dry and brittle and thus has to be restored to prevent it from fracturing.