{"id":1784,"date":"2021-02-27T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-02-27T13:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.walbridgedental.com\/blog\/?p=1784"},"modified":"2021-03-01T03:10:32","modified_gmt":"2021-03-01T07:10:32","slug":"root-canal-myths-debunked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walbridgedental.com\/blog\/root-canal-myths-debunked\/","title":{"rendered":"Root Canal Myths: Debunked"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"An<\/p>\n

Just the words \u201croot canal\u201d<\/a> can be enough to make someone cringe. They\u2019re not a favorite when it comes to dental procedures! But the reality is that much of the fear surrounding this procedure is based on history that simply aren\u2019t true anymore \u2013 or never were true! Root canal myths can be a source of extreme anxiety. In the worst cases, they can make someone not visit a dentist when they need help the most!<\/p>\n

Read on to learn the facts behind the myths about root canals.<\/p>\n

Myth 1: Root Canal Procedures Are Excruciatingly Painful!<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s truth to the myth that root canals are painful \u2013 but it\u2019s an outdated truth. Many years ago, before the modern medicine, anesthetics and new technology, a root canal could be painful during the procedure and afterwards. People who haven\u2019t had to have root canals often pass this myth down when they hear other people talk about it, due to hearing about it in their younger years.<\/p>\n

In modern dentistry, a root canal is treatment is relatively painless! In fact, according to the\u00a0American Association of Endodontists<\/a>, \u201cpatients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as \u201cpainless\u201d than patients who have not had root canal treatment.\u201d The myth falls apart when you get the answer straight from root canal procedure patients \u2013 they\u2019re not that bad!<\/p>\n

Moreover, root canals actually relieve<\/em> pain. If your dentist is recommending a root canal, you\u2019re likely already experiencing inflammation issues or infections in your mouth. Those problems lead to on-going dull pain, sharp pains in your mouth when you eat or chew, or other nasty side-effects. Once your root canal procedure is complete, you\u2019ll be glad you had it. Not only will it be easier than you think, you\u2019ll walk away with a healthier mouth and no symptoms when you recover!<\/p>\n

Myth 2: Root Canals Take Several Appointments to Complete<\/h2>\n

Another root canal myth is that it\u2019s a process which will have you back at the dentist over and over. While it\u2019s true that root canals can take more than one visit, it\u2019s rare that you\u2019ll be back more than a second time to complete the entire process.<\/p>\n

Most root canals will be completed in just one visit. You may be there just a bit longer than your standard hygiene visit<\/a>, but it\u2019ll be over before you know it! If you are asked to come back in, it\u2019s only to help provide you with the best care possible. Dentists know when the damage in your mouth is severe enough to need a second visit or more. This usually corresponds to issues with certain teeth that might lead to re-occurrence of issues without close monitoring and treatment.<\/p>\n

Myth 3: You Only Need a Root Canal If You Experience Toothaches<\/h2>\n

Symptoms for all types of dental and other medical issues vary from person to person. There are certainly common symptoms for root canals, but that doesn\u2019t mean you will only need one if you have a chronic toothache!<\/p>\n

Some people who have infections or damage that result in a root canal may experience only mild irritation \u2013 and many often don\u2019t have any symptoms at all! You should definitely reach out to us if you have a toothache, but keep an eye out for these symptoms too:<\/p>\n