La
Plata
Do your teeth begin to chatter with anxiety when you think about getting a root canal in La Plata? Many avoid this common dental procedure because of false rumors they’ve heard. Unfortunately, leaving a painful, damaged, or infected tooth untreated can lead to serious consequences, including tooth loss, jawbone weakening, and even widespread infection throughout the body. Thankfully, root canals are more modern, efficient, and comfortable than ever, so there’s no reason to put them off! Read on as your La Plata dentist dispels 10 common myths about this smile-saving treatment.
Myth #1: Root Canals Hurt
Root canals are designed to relieve pain, not cause it! Patients are typically thrilled to find that they are in far less discomfort after their treatment than before. During the procedure, your dentist will completely numb the area with anesthetics to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Myth #2: Root Canals Require Many Appointments
Modern technology like the CBCT scanner allows your dentist to repair your tooth quickly and precisely. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in one or two visits.
Myth #3: Crowns Cause the Need for Root Canals
Crowns are designed to strengthen and protect vulnerable teeth. If bacteria get underneath the crown and infect the tooth, a root canal will be needed. However, this can usually be prevented with great oral hygiene.
Myth #4: Root Canals Cause Illness
In the early days of dentistry decades ago, root canals could lead to illness. However, modern medicine, high quality materials, and advanced techniques reduce this risk to practically zero.
Myth #5: Root Canals Remove the Roots of a Tooth
Root canals preserve as much of the natural structure of a tooth as possible, including its roots. Usually, the canals inside the roots that hold the tooth’s nerve and pulp are hollowed out to remove infected tissues and eliminate bacteria.
Myth #6: Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Get Root Canals
The anesthetics used to keep you comfortable during a root canal are safe for all patients, including pregnant women.
Myth #7: Teeth with Root Canals Will Inevitably Fall Out
You can easily expect your newly repaired tooth to stay healthy, functional, and intact for the rest of your life if you care for it with excellent at-home oral hygiene.
Myth #8: Root Canals Are Only Needed for Painful Teeth
A dangerously infected tooth isn’t always painful. If the nerve has been severely damaged or killed, you may not feel any issues at all. However, the harmful bacteria still pose a serious threat to your health, so it should be treated as soon as possible even if it isn’t bothering you.
Myth #9: Teeth Are Weaker After Root Canals
After a tooth is hollowed out during a root canal to remove the bacteria, it is filled with a warm, rubbery material called guta percha. To further strengthen it while protecting it from damage and decay, the tooth will typically be capped with a durable and lifelike dental crown.
Myth #10: Tooth Extraction is Better Than Getting a Root Canal
Your dentist will always aim to preserve as much of your natural smile as possible. A tooth extraction may initially seem more straightforward, but it may cost you much more time and effort in tooth replacement options later.
About the Practice
At La Plata Dental, we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding your expectations of dentistry. We are proud to offer a wide range of delightful patient amenities alongside state-of-the-art dental health care to ensure each treatment is as comfortable as possible, including root canals. If you need a little more help feeling relaxed during your visit, we may recommend sedation dentistry services to help you feel more at ease while we care for your smile. If you have more questions about root canals, feel free to contact us via our website or at (240) 349-2439.