Introduction
The innermost part of the tooth, the pulp, is also prone to infections. Cavities, Dental Trauma, Gum Disease, or Invasive Dental Procedures can cause these infections. While the pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, any pulp infection can cause intense pain and irritation. A root canal is performed on the infected tooth to remove the infected part, which is then cleaned and filled with bio-compatible materials to stop the infection from spreading further.

However, despite pulp infections being very common and root canals being the ultimate solution to them, many things could be improved surrounding the procedure. This blog aims to debunk the myths surrounding root canals and provide what is true regarding the procedure.

Myth 1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
One common myth is that root canals are extremely painful, which often comes with the association that pulp infections are painful. And automatically, it is connected that root canals, too, might be as or more painful than the infection.

However, the treatment procedure is painless and often does not feel like anything is happening at all. This painlessness is possible with the use of anesthesia that numbs the area to be operated on and makes the entire treatment procedure painless.

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Illness
It has long been said that Root Canals cause terminal illness. From the early 20th century, it had been told that even though root canals are performed on the tooth, the fillings can toxify the body and cause diseases and illness. This, however, is just a myth, as no toxic materials are used as fillers. Fillers are only made of bio-compostable materials that are safe for the human body, and hence, they are not the root cause of any future illness.

Myth 3: It’s Better to Extract the Tooth than Get a Root Canal
It is widely believed that the infected tooth should be removed permanently to resolve the issue instead of getting a root canal. However, this action can result in losing your natural tooth and disturb your jaw alignment. Thus, dentists always suggest prioritizing your natural teeth over opting for oral prosthetics.

The tooth extraction process is more complicated and painful and can cause other dental problems such as shifting teeth, bone loss, and bite issues. Getting a root canal instead of removing the whole tooth is often advisable to avoid such issues.

Myth 4: Root Canals Take Multiple Long Appointments
Root Canal procedures do not require multiple visits to the dentist. Anyone saying otherwise might be believing a myth. In most of the cases, a single appointment is enough to complete the treatment in about 60 to 90 minutes.

However, in extreme cases, it might take more than one appointment, but it is rarely more than three. Advances in instruments and techniques have made the procedure less time-consuming and more effective.

Myth 5: Root Canals Are Only Necessary if You Have Severe Pain
The symptoms that require a root canal are tooth pain, gum swelling, tooth sensitivity, and discoloration. Hence, if you are experiencing multiple of these symptoms, it might point toward a pulp infection. Therefore, it is wise to consult your dentist for a checkup and root canal instead of waiting for severe pain. Other symptoms often overlooked should be considered for early detection and treatment.

Myth 6: Root Canals Don’t Last Long
It is often states that a tooth treated with a root canal is more likely to fail early. This is a myth usually associated with avoiding or mocking the treatment. In reality, a root canal on teeth, with proper care and maintenance, can last as long for lifetime. The only conditions are practicing proper oral care and avoiding food that may damage the filling. Not practicing these may cause the root canal to fail and the risk of infection spreading.

Myth 7: Root Canals Can Cause Your Tooth to Become Dark
In many cases, tooth discoloration is feared after a root canal. In some cases, the pulp might have been too damaged, causing the tooth to discolor and look more prominent. This happens due to the intensity of pulp infection and can be prevented by early diagnosis.

However, if the tooth becomes dark after the treatment, it can still be fixed using other dental treatments, such as fluoride treatment. Meanwhile, it is also important that this can happen in rare cases, not due to root canals but to the infection intensity.

The Truth About Root Canals
A root canal is a basic dental treatment often suggested for various pulp infections. However, myths surrounding the procedure involve the painful treatment, causing illness, its integrity, and durability. These, in one way or another, are myths that need to be looked into and debunked before believing them to get relief from the pain and irritation caused by such infections.

In reality, a root canal is neither painful nor does it cause any illness. It also addresses the issue of whether you might be considering removing all your teeth. This scenario makes it even more important to consult a dentist before trusting such rumours.

Conclusion
The myths surrounding root canals are becoming more intense by the day, holding many from getting the required treatment. The key points discussed in this blog are a glimpse of what myths you might encounter while considering a root canal. Thus, it is essential to recheck them with a dentist and know what is right for your condition instead of believing these myths as true.

To learn about root canal treatment in Borivali West, visit our website or walk into the Clinic.