Myths About Root Canals Debunked by Our Dentist

There are few dental procedures that are as disliked as endodontics or, street name, the root canal.

And our team (along with many other dental teams) simply don’t understand why. After all, the root canal has been around for over 100 years in dental care and has proven itself time and time again to dental teams and patients alike that it is a procedure that can save a smile and a tooth without extensive discomfort.

But we feel we know why the root canal is so despised by patients, and it is due to myths and mistruths that surround it.

 At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay has performed many root canals over the years and can assure any patients who are worried about this procedure that we are well experienced in this procedure and that the results should last a long time without any aesthetic issues. Great!

Going back to our original point in this article, our dentist Mackay looks at some of the mistruths that surround root canals in order to debunk them, so you as our patient realise the benefits of this procedure.

Root canals kill the tooth

Many people worry that a root canal will kill the tooth and as a result, the tooth will turn either grey or black and will be a bit of an eyesore.

But our dentist Mackay assures you that in actuality, a root canal is a perfect way to maintain a smile and that having one performed will not change the colour of your tooth. Though you may experience less sensation within the tooth, depending on how much the pulp was infected and needed to be removed. But don’t worry! You will be able to retain your bite strength!

The procedure is uncomfortable

This myth undoubtedly came from patients who needed a root canal when they had a dental infection, which is an extremely uncomfortable condition to have. But before we perform the root canal, we will ensure that your tooth and gums are numbed and once we have removed the source of the infection, it is highly likely that you will feel better and will be in less discomfort.

But if you notice over the coming days that the sensation in the tooth has not resolved, then you need to see our team promptly.

It just delays an extraction

A root canal does not delay extraction and actually seeks to restore the tooth to its former strength. In order to ensure that the tooth the root canal was performed on will not require extraction in the future, you will need to keep up-to-date with your dental check-ups to ensure that no further decay sets in.

An extraction is better

In some cases, extraction may be preferable to a root canal. But if our team suggests a root canal it is most likely the best course of action. An extraction can become infected, leaves an obvious gap in your smile, which then causes the jaw to shrink down and can attract plaque.

So, of the two procedures, in 99% of cases, a root canal is better.

The results don’t last very long

With correct aftercare surrounding hygiene and dental check-ups, a root canal should easily last the rest of your life without a recurrence of the infection. Now that’s a long-lasting procedure!

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is require d with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.