Root canal therapy is one of the most time-tested procedures in dentistry. However, it is also one of the most misunderstood. If you have a fear or dread of having a root canal, there’s a good chance you are believing some common myths about this valued endodontic treatment.

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (or inner portion) of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a bad crown or tooth fracture. The pain surrounding this type of infection can be severe, even unbearable for some. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and elicit the need for removal or extraction. Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp as means to repair and save the tooth, which also works to relieve a patient’s pain.

To understand better truth about root canals, here are three common myths about the procedure that you can dismiss today:

#1 Root canal are painful.

Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is virtually pain free. Not only does modern equipment, techniques and anesthesia make your time in the dental chair more comfortable, but the procedure itself is designed to remove the source of your dental pain. Getting a root canal is typically no more painful than getting a dental filling.

#2 An extraction is a quicker and cheaper option.

Before you rush to remove an infected tooth, you should consider that missing teeth always need to be replaced. While an extraction procedure alone is quicker than a root canal, you’ll need several subsequent visits for your dental implant. This ends up being far more invasive, lengthy and costly than getting a root canal.

# 3 A root canal “kills” the tooth.

A root canal involves cleaning and sanitizing the inner portion of the tooth where the infected pulp was removed. This allows the tooth to heal and does not impact the vitality of the tooth.

If you have a painful, infected tooth and have been told you need a root canal, there’s really nothing to fear. In fact, this endodontic treatment can save your tooth and help you regain a comfortable smile in the timely manner you deserve. For more answers to your root canal concerns, please call Gold Hill Dentistry today.