If you’ve seen root canal therapy portrayed on television, it may have been depicted as a comically horrible ordeal full of stress and misery. While these representations can be quite funny, they are far from true to life and may lead to many people getting the wrong idea about how root canals work. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular falsehoods about this procedure and how it can help a person with a severely damaged tooth.
Falsehood Number One: Root Canals Hurt
One of the most pervasive misconceptions about root canals is that they are incredibly painful and leave the patient incapacitated with aches and soreness for several days afterward. The truth is that modern root canals are rendered painless by local anesthetics, and many dentists also offer sedation treatments for patients who need a little extra help staying calm and still. While you can expect a little soreness for a few days afterward, this will be mild, temporary, and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Falsehood Number Two: Root Canals Cause Cancer
Perhaps the most egregious falsehood about root canals is that they cause cancer. This claim was peddled on an Australian documentary a few years ago, but streaming services quickly took the video down after an outcry from the dental and medical communities. In reality, there has been no credible link established between root canal treatments and cancer, depression, or other overall health issues.
Falsehood Number Three: Tooth Extraction Is Better Than Root Canal Treatment
In almost all cases, it is better to preserve a tooth than to extract and replace it. However, some people who may be especially anxious about receiving root canals may think that they’d rather have their troubled teeth removed and replaced. An unnecessary extraction can increase a patient’s risk of developing new oral infections, and any replacement used will not be able to restore all the chewing power of a natural tooth. Root canals can allow compromised teeth to last for many years longer than they would otherwise.
Don’t let misinformation dissuade you from making the best decision for your oral and overall health. If your dentist recommends root canal treatment, you can be confident that it is the most reliable way to preserve your smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Jasmine King earned her dental degree at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and has completed countless hours of continuing education to keep her skills up to date. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her office in Fort Wort offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry such as root canal therapy. To learn more about the root canal process, contact her office online or dial (817) 292-7488.