Everyone has heard someone compare an unpleasant experience to a root canal. “Sitting through that meeting was like getting a root canal,” or, “I’d get a root canal before going out with them again!”
This all stems from the assumption that root canals are long and painful, but here’s the secret—they actually STOP discomfort, not cause it. There are many untruths about this procedure floating around, but the most popular ones are about to get busted right now!
Myth #1: “Root Canals Hurt”
A root canal is used to treat dental infections that have gone past the enamel and are affecting the sensitive inner nerve of a tooth, referred to as the pulp. When this happens, it can cause a major toothache.
Root canals are used to remove this nerve and stop the source of the pain. The procedure itself is often compared to getting a filling, as in the patient doesn’t feel that much in the chair. Why do so many people think root canals are a form of medieval torture? Simple—the pain from the toothaches they fix is often falsely attributed to the procedure itself.
Myth #2: “It’s Cheaper to Pull the Tooth”
Stemming from the first myth, many people ask for their hurting tooth to just be extracted. This has to be cheaper than repairing it, right?
That’s usually not the case, as removing (and eventually replacing) a tooth tends to cost more than a root canal. And, just leaving a gap in your smile can be even more expensive because this can lead to additional tooth loss, an increased risk of gum disease, and the need for even more extensive treatments down the line.
Myth #3: “Root Canals Make You Sick”
Dr. Weston Price was a famous dentist and scholar, who in the 1920s, advised against root canals because he believed they led to illness. This assertion has survived for over a century, but the truth is that his studies were flawed and limited by the technology and techniques at the time. A root canal, when performed correctly, actually removes bacteria from the body and therefore reduces the chances of someone getting sick. Most likely, what Dr. Price observed stemmed from unhygienic practices or a lack of sterilization, both of which aren’t big concerns in today’s dental offices.
In the end, root canals don’t hurt, they are often the most cost-effective option, and they won’t get you sick. That means if you have a hurting tooth, you don’t have to worry about how it will get fixed because there is a safe, predictable, and COMFORTABLE way to take care of it quickly—so don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Estella Guo is a dentist in Bellaire who, after completing her dental degree at New York University in 2010, moved to Southwest Houston and accumulated more than 10 years of experience in the field. She’s able to provide timely treatment should a dental emergency occur, so if you have a cracked, broken, or hurting tooth in need of immediate care, contact us by clicking here or call (713) 280-4441.