5 Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment

Are you someone who takes tooth pain as usual and tries to treat it at home without considering visiting a dentist? Well, many of us think of it as an unnecessary hassle and often fear the pain that dental procedures cause.

Dental treatments, particularly intensive ones like tooth extractions or dental fillings, give rise to anxiety as we think about the pain or discomfort we must endure. Our fear knows no bounds when we see needles and other dental equipment. Not all dentists make us feel comfortable, which create a different image of dentists and dental procedures.

But have you ever thought this perception could change once you visit the right dentist? You are in the right place if you are looking for an excellent dental care service. McKinney dentists can make you feel at home. With the help of modern dental technology, these dentists save your time and make your experience a pleasant one.

Root Canal Treatment: An Introduction

Root canal treatment is a dental surgery to protect a tooth badly infected or damaged due to decay, stress, or cracks. As part of this treatment, the dental pulp, or soft tissue inside the tooth, is removed, and the tooth's internal chambers are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to stop further infection and restore function. 

The root canal treatment saves an infected tooth that needs to be extracted. This treatment reduces the discomfort, eliminates the source of infection, and helps restore tooth function, allowing people to flaunt their beautiful smiles.

Analyzing the Myths of Root Canal Treatment

Several myths surrounding root canal treatment often make people question whether it is right to go for the root canal treatment. Well, if you want to maintain good oral health and reduce further risks such as cavities, gum infections, and the like, you know what to do. Now, let's analyze the myths of root canal treatment one by one:

Painful Process:

Modern root canal treatments are carried out while the patient is under local anesthesia, thus guaranteeing the patient experiences minimal to no pain. People often turn to root canal treatment to eliminate the severe pain that the damaged or infected dental pulp causes. Dentists perform their job so well that people encounter just mild sensations during the treatment, feeling at ease.

After the root canal procedure, people may experience slight discomfort for a few days while their body repaired. Painkillers can help them deal with this discomfort.

It Gives Birth to Systematic Illness:

Due to the lack of concrete evidence, it can be deduced that Root canal treatment has no relationship with systematic illness. The myth probably originated from the "focal infection theory," which claimed infections in the mouth, including root canal treatments, might transmit dangerous bacteria throughout the body and result in several health problems. Modern dental and medical research has, however, clearly debunked this theory. A root canal can block the source of infection, but it does not contribute to systematic illness.

It Hampers the Strength of Teeth:

The strength of the teeth is not simply weakened by root canal treatment. This treatment is often used to save teeth that have been badly decayed, contributing to retaining their normal shape and function. However, it should be noted that if a tooth undergoes root canal treatment, it will eventually become more fragile. It is due to the reduction of the moisture content of the tooth. It makes the tooth prone to fractures if not appropriately protected.

Therefore, it is advised to use a dental crown post a root canal procedure to alleviate this potential problem and guarantee the tooth's long-term health and stability. Dental crowns are custom-built caps that shelter the treated tooth and offer additional support and protection. The crown assists in distributing biting force uniformly, lowering the possibility of fracture and maintaining the stability of the tooth.

Antibiotics can substitute it:

Antibiotics can be used to stop the propagation of infection and lessen symptoms temporarily. Yet, the condition developed in the tooth's pulp chamber and root canals cannot be treated with antibiotics alone. To eliminate the source of infection permanently, a root canal treatment is a must. Antibiotics can only reduce the bacterial infections people experience before and after root canal treatment, but they cannot replace them.

It Can't be Performed During Pregnancy

A root canal treatment can be performed even if someone is pregnant, provided the concerned person takes some precautions before the treatment.

Let your dentist and obstetrician know if you are pregnant or think you might be. This makes it possible for them to plan and ensure that this treatment can be carried out with the welfare of both you and your unborn child in mind. Root canal procedures are typically delayed until the second trimester or the beginning of the third trimester. This is a preventative measure to reduce any possible dangers during the first trimester's crucial stages of fetal development. The local anesthesia used during root canal treatment is also safe for pregnant women.

Summing Up!

Root canal treatment plays a vital role in halting the spread of infection to tissues adjacent to it and throughout the body. Additionally, it allows people to keep their natural smile intact, ensuring ideal chewing, communication, and improved self-esteem. Beyond providing short-term relief, this treatment can promote long-term dental health and minimize the need for future, more complex, and costly dental procedures.

By choosing root canal treatment, people give themselves the power to take charge of their oral health journey and adopt an upbeat mindset that pays off for years. Root canal treatment is a testament to the fantastic capabilities of contemporary dentistry and its unwavering commitment to facilitating the longevity and vitality of every patient's smile, emphasizing early treatment, the preservation of natural teeth, and the overall enhancement of quality of life.

Now, all the myths around root canal treatment have burst. So, what is your opinion now? Do you need this treatment? If yes, connect with the McKinney dentist and make your dental visit memorable. You can avail of all the services at affordable prices. We want to give you the best smile ever. So, please bring all your issues to us and return with a bright smile.

Finally, don't fear the pain of dental procedures anymore. For more details, do check the Valley Creek website. We will wait for your visit to our dental care.