It has always been an unpopular dental treatment, which makes even the bravest of people cringe when they hear of it; the root canal.
A rather simple procedure designed to remove infected debris from a tooth, the root canal has a rich history in dentistry and has saved countless teeth (and lives!). Yet, it remains as unpopular as ever among patients, with many asking our team to perform an extraction in its place.
However, it is possible that the fear surrounding the treatment stems from persistent myths that follow it around and so, we are here to shine a light on the truth about endodontics.
Because at Glenside Dental all of our team, be it our emergency or general dentist in Glenside know all there is to know about root canals. Therefore, should you ever need one, we are well equipped to perform them and can answer whatever questions you may have in a clear and jargon-free language.
So, what are some of the myths you have probably heard about root canals? Read on for the ones that our general dentist in Glenside hears all the time!
They kill the tooth
Many patients worry that if they have a root canal performed, they will be left with a black and dead tooth.
Simply, this is not the case! When our general dentist in Glenside performs a root canal, they will be aiming to remove all of the infected debris within the tooth which has caused an infection. Once removed, the tooth is filled and you will be able to feel it and use it as you did before.
They are painful
We have to agree that on the face of it, a root canal does sound painful!
However, you will be numbed before the procedure is performed and actually, the removal of the infected debris will likely result in a decrease in discomfort as the swelling reduces and the pressure is relieved.
They take a long time to perform
The length of time it takes to perform a root canal is dependent on the number of roots that need cleaning if the roots are straight and how severe the infection is.
In the case of a single root, with a moderate infection and a straight root, you can expect our team to take up to an hour to perform the procedure.
They fail
Another worry many patients have is that, inevitably, the root canal will fail, causing more discomfort and more complex procedures.
The good news is that statistically, few root canals fail and if properly cared for with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, they can last the rest of your life with no hassle.
Extractions are better
There is a reason we will try to perform root canals over extraction when possible. Extractions cause tooth destabilization, a decrease in oral hygiene and of course, if they are at the front of the mouth, they create an obvious aesthetic issue and can potentially knock your confidence.
Extractions can also become infected! Yikes!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
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