During a root canal, a dentist removes the infected pulp of a tooth to protect its overall structure and stability. Root canals are performed to preserve one's original teeth and to reduce pain. This common procedure is one of the most misunderstood dental treatments, and the misconceptions surrounding it can keep people from getting the oral care they need. Below, a few of the more common misconceptions are dispelled.

Debunking Common Root Canal Myths

1. It's Better to Pull the Tooth

When at all possible, dentists want to preserve their patients’ natural teeth. Even the most advanced dental implants cannot totally replicate the look and feel of one's natural teeth. Plus, replacing a pulled tooth can be an intensive process, sometimes requiring multiple visits and necessitating work on the mouth to better support the replacement; a root canal is usually a faster and more straightforward treatment.

2. They're Painful

In the popular imagination, a root canal is a painful procedure that borders on torturous. The truth is that it is the infected pulp and associated toothache that are the most painful parts of the experience. The root canal treatment is the remedy, and it does not hurt. The patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the entire area of the mouth, so they feel nothing throughout the procedure. By the time the numbness wears off, the source of the problem has been addressed and pain levels are virtually nonexistent.

3. They're Dangerous

In recent years, there has been increased public concern about potential connections between root canals and cancer, heart disease, and other systemic health issues. In reality, no such connections exist, and most of the conclusions reached about links between root canals and other illnesses are based on long-debunked junk science. The majority of medical professionals agree that this treatment is perfectly safe and remarkably effective at saving teeth and eliminating pain.

Since 1985, Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic has been providing root canals to the Mammoth Springs, Hardy, Cherokee Village, Ash Flat, Thayer, Alton, and West Plains regions. They offer a range of general and restorative dentistry procedures, including preventative exams, teeth cleanings, fillings, and crowns. They are dedicated to the oral health and wellness of every patient. Call (870) 625-3262 or visit their website to make an appointment today.