Debunking Common Root Canal Myths

root canal specialist pointing to root canal on xray

While a common dental procedure, root canals tend to come with many myths and misconceptions. Without any proper information, people may dread the idea of a root canal or be hesitant to book an appointment with a root canal specialist. This can hold you back from getting the proper dental care that you need.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular root canal myths and set the record straight.

Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment is Painful

On the contrary, root canals are done to alleviate pain. The procedure is designed to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of your tooth, eliminating any pain and discomfort.

In fact, during the procedure, patients are given local anesthesia to ensure that there is no pain or discomfort during the procedure. The restorative dentist will also use their expertise and modern tools and techniques to make sure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible for you.

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Illness

During a root canal procedure, bacteria that can potentially cause infection are removed from the inside of the tooth. So the truth is quite the opposite of the myth. This helps to improve your oral health while reducing your chances of tooth infections like the following abscesses, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Myth 3: Root Canals Are Expensive

The cost of a root canal can vary, so believing this root canal myth, that it’ll automatically be expensive can be wrong depending on the severity and complexity of the procedure. However, if you think about what it is saving you in the long run—a tooth extraction, expensive dental crowns, or bridges—then it can be quite cost-effective.

In comparison, the cost of a root canal is quite reasonable. Whether it’s for you or your loved ones, preventative care with a root canal specialist is crucial for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.

Myth 4: Root Canals Take a Long Time

This root canal myth couldn’t be farther from the truth. As a good rule of thumb, you should plan for two appointments when getting a root canal. The first appointment is the initial consultation and evaluation of your teeth and gums, along with the preparation for the procedure itself.

The second appointment includes the actual root canal procedure, where the dentist will use special tools to clean out any infection or decay in your tooth. This usually takes around an hour to complete.

By opting for a root canal procedure, you can get back to your everyday life faster and keep your tooth intact with a root canal specialist.

Experience Exceptional Root Canal Care With Stehl Family Dental

At Stehl Family Dental, our experienced dentists and staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your teeth. We understand that a root canal procedure can be intimidating because of all the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. That’s why we strive to make sure our patients receive as much information about root canals as possible.

If you need a root canal specialist or are just curious to learn more, we invite you to give us a call and book an appointment today. Our trained root canal specialists are here to provide only the best care for your teeth and put any misconceptions about root canals to rest.