In the world of dentistry, few procedures are as misunderstood as the root canal. Armed with an intimidating-sounding name, root canals are a common dental procedure that can help to protect your smile from ongoing damage. The following explains what is actually involved in the procedure and why your dentist might recommend one. 

Mistruths About Root Canals

1. Root Canals Destroy the Tooth 

During a root canal, a small hole is drilled into the biting surface of the tooth being treated, and special tools are used to scoop out the inner pulp and blood vessels. While removing the blood supply inside a tooth does, in fact, kill the tooth, the purpose of a root canal is more about preserving the tooth structure and root and less about keeping the tooth alive.

Root canals are typically recommended whenever a tooth is badly infected, decayed, or damaged, and can help to remove the inflamed inner portion, eliminating pain. After the root canal is performed to clean out the interior of the tooth, the area is filled and the tooth is capped to preserve it. 

2. Endodontic Therapy Is Extremely Painful

While many dental procedures were painful in the years before better anesthetics were invented, modern root canals feel like nothing more than a longer dental filling. Before the tooth is worked on, dentists carefully numb the jaw and tooth with a powerful local anesthetic to block any pain sensations. Also, since the nerves that may have been triggering the tooth pain are removed during the treatment, many patients say their tooth feels much better after the procedure. 

3. Root Canals Usually Need to Be Redone

Another common misconception about root canals is that they tend to fail when, in fact, the procedure carries an impressive 95% average success rate. To put that into perspective, only about five out of every 100 patients who receive a root canal will need any further treatment on the tooth, while the overwhelming majority walk away from that one appointment feeling more confident in their smiles.

Whether you have been struggling with ongoing dental pain or another dentist has recommended a root canal, get the second opinion you need from Dr. Richard A. Brunmeier, DDS, P.C. of Lancaster County, NE. With a commitment to patient care and more than 29 years worth of experience, this dentist can help you to learn more about your options and improve your overall dental health. Find out more about how he can help by visiting his website or by calling (402) 484-6644.