Sedation Clinics
Root canals have got to be one of the most misunderstood treatments in all of dentistry. Many people have the idea that they’re considerably scarier than they actually are, among plenty of other misconceptions that drive people away from the treatment.
The fact is that root canals can do a lot for people, and they aren’t something that you need to avoid. To clear the air, here are some common myths about root canals that you shouldn’t pay any mind to.
Myth: Root Canals are Painful
Starting with one of the most ubiquitous myths about root canals—namely, that they’re painful. Before beginning any kind of treatment that could involve discomfort, your dentist will be happy to numb your mouth completely to ensure that you don’t feel anything. Root canals aren’t any different.
The prevalence of this myth may have something to do with the painful toothaches that root canals are usually used to treat, or it may be a holdover from an earlier era of dentistry where anesthetics weren’t as effective. Whatever the case, you can rest assured that you’ll have no issues with discomfort during the actual treatment.
Myth: Oral Infections Go Away On Their Own
Patients sometimes notice that a toothache has begun to fade, and take this to mean that the infection that caused it has gone away. However, that’s not the case. Typically, this is a sign that the infection that’s afflicted your tooth has decayed the nerve tissue to such an extent that you can no longer feel it.
This is a sign that you’re desperately in need of treatment—otherwise, you could lose the tooth.
Myth: Root Canals Cause Cancer
This is a misconception that comes from a single study conducted in the early 20th century. It claimed that root canals did increase cancer risk, but research since has been unable to replicate this result. As a consequence, no dentist pays any credence to the idea that there’s a link between root canal treatment and any form of cancer.
The truth is that the treatment is safe, effective, and entirely painless. If you have a root canal coming up, you should know that.
About Our Practice
At Dental Wellness of Lexington, we make an effort every day to offer our patients immaculate dental care while keeping them completely comfortable for the duration of our stay with us. We are respectful of our patients’ time, so you can be sure that you won’t spend an hour in our waiting room before you’re seen. We’ll also take the time to truly listen to what it is that you need in order to develop a treatment plan specific to you.
If you have any questions about root canals, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (859) 223-4644.