Root canals; myths debunked by dentist Dr Bobby Chhoker
When it comes to restorative and preventive dental treatments, there is a fair share of myths floating around.
Many people think a scale and polish will make their teeth more sensitive while others believe that brushing your teeth harder cleans them better. And, of course, some also believe that having a tooth extracted post-infection is better than having a root canal.
For one reason or another, root canals are one of the most unpopular of all dental procedures, even though they have over 100 years of history in dental care and have helped to preserve smiles and save teeth.
When you come to Dr Bobby Chhoker for a root canal, out team will explain the many benefits that the procedure offers and help you to make an informed choice about what the right treatment is for your teeth.
But what are some of the myths that are still floating around about root canals and what is the truth behind them? Read on to find out!
Myth- it kills the tooth
Many dental patients believe that having a root canal performed kills the tooth. As any dentist will tell you, this simply isn’t the case.
If a dentist performed a root canal on a tooth that had succumbed to an abscess, they will have aimed to remove as much of the infected pulp as possible. This does not kill the tooth and actually goes a long way toward preserving it.
Myth- it spreads infection
As above, if you are having a root canal performed after an infection, you may have heard via friends or the internet that it will cause the infection to spread into the surrounding tissue.
Physically this is impossible; an abscess that is treated by a root canal will usually be located in the pulp, which is concealed in the root of the tooth. Should the root of the tooth have shattered or split, then it is likely that it will be extracted instead of having a root canal performed on it, meaning that this procedure cannot enable it to spread into the surrounding tissue.
Myth- the tooth changes colour
Ever heard of a root canal causing teeth to turn black?
Once again, this is not true and stems from the myth that the treatment kills the tooth.
Post-treatment, your teeth will look the same as before and, as the access hole will be covered with a tooth-coloured filling or crown, it won’t visually appear any different.
Myth- it just delays an extraction
Many people believe that if they have a root canal, they are simply postponing an inevitable extraction. However, this is not the case. Since a root canal is a restorative procedure, it aims to keep the tooth in your mouth for as long as possible and, with correct dental care, the treated tooth is much less likely to cause any problems ever again!
Myth- it is uncomfortable
Of course, before performing a root canal, Dr Bobby Chhoker will apply a local anaesthetic to the area. Root canals may be minimally discomforting and, post-treatment, you will likely feel more comfortable than you did when you attended the appointment!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.