Even the title of this article might have scared you. Root canals: they’re one of the most dreaded dental procedures in the world! Countless patients to our Shorewood dentist office have been terrified of the idea of needing a root canal, but guess what? Each patient who has had one knows that they are incredibly beneficial!
Root canals are performed when tooth decay reaches the root of your tooth. Once it’s there the bacteria that drives the decay infects your dental pulp which causes a lot of pain! As the infection spreads it can end up causing an abscess, getting into your bloodstream, or potentially causing loss of the entire tooth! That’s why we perform root canals: to save your natural teeth!
A root canal involves the removal of infected dental pulp using special tools. We’ll drill a small hole in your tooth so the tools can remove the pulp and then we’ll seal your tooth off afterward. You’ll be left pain-free and all without losing your tooth!
With all the rumors swirling around about root canals we think it would be good to clear the air. Read on to learn the truth about root canals and how they can benefit you!
Myth #1: Root Canals Hurt!
If root canals hurt then they are probably being done wrong! Root canals exist to remove infected tissue that’s causing pain. While there may be some slight tenderness after the procedure you’ll feel much better!
If you’re still nervous about the potential pain of a root canal we can offer sedation to help make your procedure easier. Imagine feeling nice and relaxed in the dentist chair – you don’t have to be terrified of your procedure!
Myth #2: They Aren’t Permanent
When you get a root canal you’re basically removing all of the blood vessels and tissue that keeps your tooth “alive.” When a root canal is performed that tissue is already damaged beyond repair and extracting it is a permanent process. How can the pain of a root canal come back when there’s no tissue inside your tooth to cause pain?
We fill the inside of your tooth with a material that’s a lot like rubber. It will completely seal the inside of your tooth off from further infection, so you never need to worry about your root canal symptoms coming back!
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Cancer And Other Illnesses
Did you know this myth has its basis in the work of a dentist who put for the theory in 1910? Dr. Weston Price was concerned that bacteria from an infected tooth root would get out into the body and cause heart disease, cancer, and any number of horrible conditions!
Further research into the possibilities of this theory have been widely discredited. By the 1930s almost no one believed in the theories that Dr. Price had put forward but like any other scary-sounding research it’s managed to stick around!
Myth #4: Pulling The Tooth Is Better
This idea finds its origin in the works of Dr. Price and in the idea that root canals aren’t permanent. At Shorewood Family Dental Care we want you to know that it’s never a good idea to remove a tooth that can be saved!
Your body functions best with your natural teeth. They do a lot to maintain your bone mass and face shape and should always be saved! If someone tries telling you that it’s better to pull a tooth tell them how important teeth are to preserving bone mass, keeping your other teeth aligned, and preventing future tooth loss!
Myth #5: Root Canals Take A Long Time!
We can conduct a root canal from start to finish in just one appointment! You’ll need to come back for a second appointment where you’ll get your permanent crown, but that’s it! Teeth that have had a root canal need to be crowned to protect them so it’s essential that we make you a custom designed dental crown.
The most important part of a root canal – relieving your pain – will be done in just one appointment. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel when we’re done!
Don’t Be Afraid Of A Root Canal!
This tooth-saving procedure is essential in saving an infected tooth. If you think you may need a root canal don’t wait for the pain to get worse! Call Shorewood Family Dental Care today at 815-725-5991! You can also request an appointment by filling out our online request form. We look forward to seeing you soon!
