Root canal treatment has one of the most recognizable reputations in dentistry. Some dental treatments come with questions. Root canals come with opinions. Ask ten people what they have heard, and you will probably hear the same stories repeated again and again. Long before many people ever need treatment, they have already formed an impression based on relatives, friends, television, or the internet. The interesting part is that many of those stories have very little to do with what root canal treatment looks like today. At Atkins Dental Clinic, we’ve heard all those rumors and uneasy whispers about root canals.
Root canals often get a bad reputation, but it’s time to clear up the confusion. Let’s dive into the most common concerns and show why a root canal isn’t the nightmare it’s made out to be.
Does Root Canal Treatment Involve Removing the Tooth Roots?
You might assume that root canal treatment involves pulling out the tooth’s roots, but the name is a little misleading. The root and the root canal are two different parts of the tooth, even though they are closely connected.
The root is the portion of your tooth anchored in the jawbone. Inside the root is a narrow, hollow space called the root canal. It contains the tooth’s pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When we say “root canal,” we typically mean root canal therapy, a treatment for infection or inflammation in that space. Dr. Aaron removes the infected or damaged tissue, cleans and disinfects the canal, and seals it to help prevent another infection. The roots stay exactly where they are, allowing the natural tooth to remain securely in place.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Most of what people know about root canals comes from someone else’s story, not their own experience. And those stories tend to get worse with each retelling. The truth is that the pain you are feeling before a root canal is the problem. The infection forming inside the tooth, the pressure, the pain that keeps you up at night. The procedure is what ends it.
Dr. Aaron numbs the area before he begins. What most patients find once they are in the chair is that it feels very similar to having a filling done. Not the ordeal they had braced for.
What Happens If I Don’t Get Treatment?
A tooth that needs a root canal is not going to resolve on its own. The infection inside does not stop on its own. Left alone, it spreads. It can develop into an abscess, work into the surrounding bone, and eventually cost you the tooth entirely.
If you find yourself dealing with that kind of pain, do not sit on it. The sooner it gets treated, the better the outcome for the tooth and the less you have to go through to get there. Come on down.
Is It Better To Extract the Tooth?
In most cases, saving your tooth with root canal therapy is far better than opting for extraction. Preserving your natural tooth structure is almost always the best choice because it helps maintain your smile, proper bite alignment, and oral health. Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is typically less invasive and more affordable in the long run compared to extraction and replacement options.
Today’s tooth canal treatments have a high success rate, offering a long-term solution with minimal discomfort. However, there are situations where extraction might be necessary. If a tooth is severely damaged beyond repair or if significant bone loss is present, removing the tooth could be the only option. Dr. Aaron will carefully evaluate your unique case and guide you toward the best treatment plan.
Do Not Ignore Tooth Pain Because of Root Canal Myths
Root canal myths can make it harder to know what to do when your tooth hurts. Dr. Aaron can take a closer look, identify the cause of the pain, and determine whether root canal therapy can save the tooth.
Schedule a consultation at Atkins Dental Clinic to learn more!
