Debunking Common Myths About Root Canals
At Northridge Dental Group, we do all we can to save your natural teeth. One treatment in particular can help us achieve this goal — root canal therapy. Many patients have heard of a root canal and have a bad impression without ever having received treatment. If you are unfamiliar, a root canal is the process of removing infected nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth. The root is then cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. If a root canal is not performed when needed, the last resort is to extract the tooth to remove the infection. We may recommend a root canal when:
- There is trauma to the tooth
- A large filling needs to be replaced and there is not enough tooth structure
- A cracked or broken tooth reaches the pulp inside the tooth
3 Common Myths About Root Canals
Unfortunately, root canals often have a bad reputation. We want to share three of the most common myths about root canals:
- Root Canals are Painful – Patients may have seen this treatment depicted horribly in a movie or television show and feel that is the process for treatment. Thanks to advancements in treatment and technology, a root canal is now similar to a more involved filling. The pain from a serious toothache or problem in your mouth is often severe, and a root canal will eliminate that discomfort.
- Pulling a Tooth is Better – As we mentioned earlier, our goal is always to help our patients keep their natural teeth. While the tooth structure may need to be replaced, keeping the tooth root healthy and intact is extremely important. When a tooth is extracted, it can lead to serious complications, such as shifting teeth, problems eating, and the need for a tooth replacement.
- Root Canals Can Lead to Infection and Illness – Some patients mention that they have heard that a root canal can increase the risk of illness and infection. This is simply not true. A root canal cannot cause an illness or make an illness worse in any way. An infection can occur following a root canal if the patient does not follow our after-treatment instructions.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth or we recommend a root canal or other treatment, be sure to contact our office located in Northridge, CA to schedule an appointment. Delaying a root canal or other treatment can lead to serious oral health complications and the need for additional measures such as tooth extraction. We want to help get your oral health back on track!
