Common Misconceptions about Root Canals
You’re relaxing at home when you notice that the slight sensitivity you’ve been feeling in your teeth for a few months seems to be worsening. You’ve been putting off seeing a dentist for a while, but now you notice that the pain in your teeth is becoming unbearable. At first you think it’s just a cavity, but when you visit the dentist you hear those two dreaded words. It’s a root canal, and having it treated is going to be excruciatingly painful – or is it?
Although root canals are serious problems that result from not maintaining good oral hygiene, there are many common mistaken beliefs about them that could not be further from the truth.
Misconception 1: Root Canals are Painful
This is perhaps the biggest myth surrounding root canals. In the past they may have been unpleasant, just like many other dental procedures during previous times. However, with modern medicine and effective anesthesia, patients can undergo a procedure and feel minimal, if any, pain.
Misconception 2: Root Canals Require Several Appointments
Although the number of dentist visits depends on the state of the tooth and the severity of the infection in the canals, treatment can often be done in just a single session.
Misconception 3: Root Canals are Unnecessarily Expensive
Usually root canals are costly, but treatment not only saves a person’s tooth, it also helps them maintain regular chewing function. It should also be kept in mind that a root canal still costs less than permanently removing the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or implant.
Misconception 4: Root Canals Don’t Work
This is definitely not true. When a root canal is performed correctly by an experienced dentist, it can last a lifetime with no future provisions.
For more information about the advanced dental options that we offer for root canal treatment, please call our Beverly Hills practice at (310) 273-0111 today. Dr. Sands and the rest of his team look forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the highest possible dental health.