Common Misconceptions About Root Canals

Did you know that root canals help save over 15 million teeth each year? These endodontic procedures offer great ways to treat infections that might otherwise lead to tooth extraction — but there are several misconceptions about them. Below, we’ll go over some of the more common misunderstandings people have about root canal therapy.

Misconception 1: Root Canals Involve Nerve Removal

Some patients believe that this procedure includes taking out the nerve inside the tooth, eliminating the ability to feel any pain or discomfort. But that’s not the case.

What Really Happens During This Procedure?

Root canals don’t actually involve the removal of the root or nerves inside your tooth. Instead, they include these steps:

• Administering local anesthesia
• Accessing the inner part of the tooth via a small opening
• Removing infected/inflamed pulp or nerve tissue
• Cleaning and disinfecting the canals
• Filling the tooth and sealing it

The only part of the tooth that’s taken out is the infected tissue, not the nerves or root.

Preserving the Natural Tooth Structure

These steps help eliminate infections at the source, while also making your tooth stronger. They also reduce the need to have your tooth removed due to severe infections.

Misconception 2: Root Canal Treatment Is Painful

You might have heard people say, “I’d rather have a root canal…” when talking about going through something unpleasant. That’s due to the common (but mistaken) belief that this procedure causes a lot of pain.

Modern Anesthesia and Technology

You know how you get anesthesia to numb your tooth and the surrounding area when getting a filling? The same happens for a root canal. You won’t feel anything throughout this procedure. Advancements in technology also help make this process as painless as possible, such as:

• Dental lasers: Provide minimally invasive laser technology for performing root canals
• GentleWave Procedure: Uses fluid and sonic energy to eliminate infected nerve tissue and clean your inner tooth
• Surgical microscopes: Offer more precise views of the tooth during surgery for better results

Why Do People Associate Pain with Root Canals?

Patients tend to make this connection due to the discomfort they experience with a tooth infection. But the pain doesn’t come from the procedure — it’s from inflammation that occurs with this condition. Root canals relieve pain, rather than cause it.

Discomfort After a Root Canal

Anesthesia prevents you from feeling pain while having this procedure done. But you may have mild soreness when its effects wear off. This is normal and should only last a short time. If you keep experiencing pain or it gets worse, you should seek help.

Misconception 3: Root Canal Treatment Prevents Additional Tooth Problems

This type of procedure can do a lot for an infected tooth — but it’s not a guarantee that you’ll never have problems with it again.

What a Root Canal Can and Can’t Do

This procedure is ideal for eliminating infections and saving teeth from being pulled. That doesn’t mean your tooth’s immune to any problems afterwards. It’s possible for an infection to come back or for other issues to occur, like tooth decay. It can also develop cracks.

Why Ongoing Oral Care Matters

You can do a lot to protect the affected tooth and the rest of your teeth from infections and other problems. That involves having routine cleanings and check-ups done and practicing good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing.

Misconception 4: Root Canal Therapy Is the Last Treatment Step

Some patients think a root canal is the final part of treatment for tooth infections. In most cases, though, there’s one last step — getting a restoration, such as a crown.

Why You Might Need a Crown or Final Restoration

Leaving your tooth as is after a root canal may increase the risk of having another infection or other dental issues. The infection is gone. But your tooth isn’t out of harm’s way. A dental crown or restoration, like a bridge, helps keep tooth structure intact, providing protection from future damage.

Why Finishing Your Treatment Plan Is Important

You may be tempted to skip the last step and leave without getting a crown. This puts your tooth in more danger, though. We strongly recommend having a restoration placed on the treated tooth to make it stronger and prevent issues.

When You May Need This Treatment

You can’t always tell if it’s time for a root canal. But you can watch for possible signs like the following and seek help:

• Painful tooth
• Discomfort in surrounding areas, like your jaw
• Darkened tooth appearance
• Swelling in your jaw

Schedule Root Canal Therapy Today

Are you having any signs of a tooth infection? Our endodontist, Dr. Ernest Rillman, may recommend treating it with a root canal. At Largo Endodontics, we offer this procedure to keep your natural tooth safer and stronger.