Root canal therapy has a worse reputation than almost any other dental treatment available. Unfortunately, this is mostly due to misconceptions about the procedure. Much of the common wisdom about root canals is outdated or was never true to start with. Here, the team at John D. Mainwaring, DDS, in Orange, CT, explains the truth about this beneficial treatment option.

5 Root Canal Myths

1. A Root Canal Means Removing Tooth Roots

The roots of your teeth are essential to keeping them in place, so a procedure which removed them would be no better than an extraction. Instead, a root canal removes infected soft tissues inside the tooth, following narrow channels down to the tip of the tooth's roots and filling the space. It’s then capped with a crown to keep it from becoming infected again.

2. Root Canals Hurt

The pain management techniques you'll find in a dental office are extremely effective, which means a root canal will feel about the same as getting a filling. You may have some soreness in the area after the procedure, but it should be minor and will heal with time.

3. Root Canals Make You Sick

This claim dates back to a study nearly 100 years old, with poor methodology even for its time. The question of root canals and disease has been studied extensively since then, and researchers have concluded there is no link — but unfortunately, this idea has stuck in the public consciousness.

4. Tooth Extraction Is a Good Alternative

The entire point of a root canal is to preserve as much of your tooth as possible because this type of conservative dentistry tends to produce the best health outcomes. Removing a tooth is a last resort, and a root canal is strongly preferable.

5. If It Stops Hurting, You Don't Need Treatment

Severe tooth pain is one of the reasons you may be prescribed root canal therapy. But if your tooth stops hurting, it doesn't mean the problem has gone away. A severe infection can kill the nerve of your tooth, causing pain relief even though the infection is still active and needs treatment.

A root canal is the best solution to an infected, painful tooth. If you're experiencing tooth pain or facial swelling, make an appointment immediately. The team at John D. Mainwaring, DDS, will determine whether a root canal is the treatment you need. Call (203) 799-6625 to make your appointment, or request one online.