The words root canal often cause people to panic, but this dental procedure is not scary, and it helps to prevent tooth loss. Unfortunately, many people are afraid of root canal treatments because they believe the many myths that are perpetuated. This guide is meant to dispel the myths and help people better understand how this procedure works and what to expect. 

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

Root canal procedures are carried out on teeth that have infection or decay. The goal of a root canal is to save the tooth from continuing to deteriorate. Individuals need to find dentists that do root canals so they can schedule an appointment to learn more. 

When a dentist performs a root canal, they first numb the tooth and remove a small portion on the top of the crown. Removing part of the crown of the tooth creates an opening that allows the dentist access to the inside of the tooth. 

The dentist will remove all the diseased tooth pulp inside the tooth. Once the nerve is removed, the roots are cleaned out with special tools called canal files. When the inside of the tooth has been cleaned out, the dentist will then fill the tooth with gutta-percha and seal the top. 

5 Myths About Root Canals

1. Root Canals Are Very Painful

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding root canals is that they are very painful. This simply is not true. Root canal treatments are used to relieve pain, not cause it in patients. Removing the infected pulp helps to alleviate the pain. Most people feel much better after they have had a root canal carried out on their teeth. 

2. Root Canals Require Many Appointments

Another notion many people continue to believe is that root canal procedures require a person to go through multiple dental appointments. This is another falsehood. The truth is that most people have their root canal procedure finished in one or two dental visits. 

3. Root Canals Are Expensive

Many people shy away from root canals because of the price. Individuals need to consider that a root canal is less expensive than extracting the tooth and then replacing it with a bridge or dental implant. A person needs to weigh the costs and the outcome. 

4. A Root Canal Offers Only Temporary Benefits

A root canal helps to stop the pain and preserves the tooth from further damage. Once the crown is in place, the tooth is fully shielded. Root canal therapy can provide indefinite benefits as long as the crown is maintained properly. 

5. An Alternative to a Root Canal Is Tooth Extraction

Individuals will often attempt to save money by having their teeth extracted instead of paying for a root canal. A root canal treatment preserves the tooth and prevents bone loss. Removing a tooth requires further dental work that can become expensive. 

Schedule a Dental Appointment Right Away

To learn if a root canal is a viable option for individuals, they need to schedule a consultation appointment with the dentist. The dentist will need to evaluate the health of the tooth and take X-rays to determine if the tooth can be saved. 

Root canal procedures remove the diseased tissue, and the nerves can also be removed to alleviate any pain. With this procedure, individuals will find their tooth is less likely to see additional damage and the pain stops. Call today to schedule your dental appointment right away.