Debunking Root Canal Myths

Root canals get a bad rap. If you need a root canal, you may be filled with worry and have significant concerns regarding the procedure, the pain, and the treatment. Have no fear. The experts at Park 56 Dental are here to dispel the rumors regarding root canals. Getting a root canal may not actually be as bad as you think. Here are some common myths about root canals and the actual benefits of getting one.

Myth Number 1-Root Canals are Very Painful

Root canals were painful when the procedure was invented. Although the ancient Romans likely invented the procedure, a dentist named Edwin Maynard is credited with developing it in 1838. It entailed inserting a watch spring into the root of the tooth to secure the root. At that time, anesthesia was primitive at best, but with modern technology and new forms of anesthesia, the procedure is now relatively painless.

Myth Number 2-My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, so I Don’t Need a Root Canal

Sometimes, a tooth that needs a root canal is painless. Cavities and tooth decay can develop between the teeth, and the enamel and pulp of the tooth may be compromised. This is why it’s important to schedule regular trips to the dentist, as well as make sure you are receiving yearly X-rays. Your dentist will be able to tell whether you simply need a filling or if the damage has affected the pulp of the tooth.

Myth Number 3-It’s Better to Have a Tooth Pulled than a Root Canal

Pulling a tooth can compromise your smile and bite. A root canal enables you to keep at least a portion of your natural tooth so that you can still use it. For both function and aesthetics, keeping your tooth is optimal.

Myth Number 4-A Root Canal Means Removing the Root of the Tooth

Root canals are a procedure that involves removing the pulp of the tooth and placing an anchor inside the root to secure the tooth.

Myth Number 1-Root Canals Can Cause Other Issues in the Body

Root canals have been rumored to cause additional issues in the body. Internet fiction claims that root canals can cause other illnesses, including cancers. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, advanced tooth decay can cause issues such as these, but having a root canal to treat the problem actually reduces the risk of cancer and other issues that could be linked to bad teeth.

Park 56 Dental

If you’re in the New York area and have questions about root canals, fillings, whitening, Invisalign, or any other dental procedures, contact the experts at Park 56 Dental. Voted the best dentist in the New York metro area, we are available to meet all your dental needs. Our dentists and dental technicians have been providing quality dental care for their patients since 1997. Visit our website for more details, or click here to make an appointment.