Myths and fables can be good harmless fun to tell around the campfire or at bedtime. But they’re not exactly helpful when they spread misinformation. Here’s the truth about five common but untrue tales about root canals that could prevent you from getting smile-saving care when you need it!
Myth #1 They Cause Cancer
A few years ago, a documentary was made erroneously connecting the filmmaker’s cancer to a root canal procedure. Unfortunately, even though numerous studies have found absolutely no evidence of this being possible, the myth still proliferates online. The good news is that root canals are perfectly safe and do not cause cancer, so there’s no need to worry about this if you need one.
Myth #2 Root Canals Kill Your Tooth
You may have heard that a root canal will “kill” your tooth by removing the inside pulp, but this isn’t true. Your dentist must remove the infected pulp to prevent it from spreading to your other teeth and the rest of your body, but this does not kill the tooth, it actually saves it by replacing the pulp with gutta percha and allowing it to remain fully functional in your mouth for years to come.
Myth #3 Tooth Extractions are Better than Root Canals
While a tooth extraction is typically faster and more affordable, it is not usually better than a root canal. A root canal allows you to preserve your teeth for the rest of your life, while an extraction could cause a variety of other problems. Missing teeth must be replaced, or could lead to tooth drifting, jawbone deterioration, and more lost teeth. It can also make it difficult to chew and speak properly. While unfortunately sometimes extractions are necessary, it is always a better choice to get a root canal over an extraction if possible.
Myth #4 You Only Need a Root Canal if You Have a Toothache
While you may not know that you have a tooth infection if you don’t have any symptoms, if you are diagnosed with one, it is imperative that you treat it whether you feel any discomfort or not. That’s because even if it is not painful, the infection can easily spread to other teeth and throughout the entire body. This can not only cost you your teeth, but in rare cases it could cost you your life. Thus, repairing an infected tooth with a root canal is a necessary smile and life-saving procedure!
Myth #5 Root Canals are Painful
Root canals have gotten a bad reputation in movies and television shows for being painful, but the truth is that they are actually a pain-relieving procedure! The pain you feel with a tooth infection is caused by the inflamed, infected pulp, not the treatment. A root canal removes that pulp, cleans your tooth, and then replaces the pulp with a synthetic material that prevents future infection and keeps the tooth stable. Though your tooth may still be sore for a few days, this treatment eliminates the pain and allows you to once again use your tooth fully and comfortably for a lifetime!
Remember, as fun and entertaining as myths can be, there’s nothing good about misinformation. Don’t let bad information stop you from protecting your smile with the help of a root canal!
About Our Practice
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, our team of skilled and caring dentists are proud to offer tooth-saving root canal procedures right here in Center. Don’t let bad information stop you from saving your smile. If you have a toothache or infection and need help, please call us as soon as possible for treatment. We can be reached at 936-427-9070.