Busting the many myths about root canal therapy to preserve badly damaged teeth
When we tell patients they need root canal treatment, their response is certainly less than thrilled. But truthfully, root canal therapy is far less scary than what you may have heard or read. Your dentist in Milton, Ontario, at Scott and Derry Dental Care, is happy to answer your questions about this common procedure. In doing so, we can hopefully break through some of the biggest myths by providing the real facts about “root canals.”
Are root canals complex and time-consuming?
Root canal treatment is sometimes called a deep cleaning of the inside of the tooth. If you think of it like that, it’s easier to understand the treatment, as Dr. Jameela Jifri and associates are opening up the damaged tooth. Then, the root canals that contain the problematic tissue are accessed and removed. These tissues include the nerves responsible for often intense pain when exposed or damaged due to disease or injury. Then, the treated area is sterilized and sealed off with a filling material. The last step in the process is the application of a restoration (typically, a dental crown) to strengthen the treated tooth. And that’s it! The process can be completed in just one visit, except for applying the permanent crown.
Don’t root canals hurt?
No. The conditions we treat with root canals can hurt. But the treatment itself should not be painful. We eliminate the source of pain by eliminating the nerves. Patients are so thankful they can get through their workday or night without pain interfering with their concentration or sleep. They’re also able to get back to eating their favorite foods and are generally able to get back to their day-to-day routine. Also, to maximize your comfort, an anesthetic is administered. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure; afterward, you can sigh with relief.
Is treatment permanent?
It can be as long as you take good care of your teeth and gums. Root canal treatment has a high success rate exceeding 97%. Many of our patients do not need further treatment after their deeply inflamed and infected teeth have healed and been preserved via this therapy.
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Does treatment cause disease?
The idea that root canals left behind lingering, disease-causing bacteria originated over 100 years ago. This research is outdated, yet it is still parroted as fact. Bacteria are present around all teeth, healthy and intact or previously treated. While bacteria linked to gum disease have been implicated in systemic disease, no scientific evidence supports claims that RCT causes cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and more.
Is it better to have a badly damaged tooth extracted?
Certainly not! As noted, no current and sound evidence supports that RCT presents additional risks to your health. It’s almost always the case that preserving the natural tooth is the preferred option. You avoid the trauma, time, and expense associated with replacing a tooth that is extracted. Plus, there is no better tooth than the natural one restored to its health and strength. Scott and Derry Dental Care look forward to introducing you to the truth about RCT and other procedures available at our office. Contact our Milton, ON team at (855) 438-4999 with questions and to learn more.
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