There are lots of myths about a variety of different dental procedures, but perhaps no procedure has more myths and misconceptions surrounding it than the root canal. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common myths and what the truth actually is.
Myth: Root canal treatment is painful
The pain level is a huge myth when it comes to root canals. While it may have been true decades ago, with new methods and innovations, it couldn’t be further from the truth. You will be given an anesthetic before the procedure is done, and while you may feel some pressure when we remove the damaged pulp from the tooth, you won’t feel any pain.
Myth: Pulling a tooth is better than having root canal treatment
Saving your natural tooth is always better than pulling a tooth and replacing it with a bridge or an implant. That’s why we use a root canal to remove damaged or infected pulp inside the tooth instead of simply pulling it. Root canals also have a fairly high success rate of removing the damage, and with proper dental hygiene, you can still have the natural tooth for a lifetime.
Additionally, replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant requires much more treatment time and surgery.
Myth: Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth
This is a common misconception. While root is in the name of the procedure, the roots are not being removed during a root canal. Your dentist is simply removing some of the infected pulp from inside the tooth. The roots are not touched at all.
Myth: Root canal treatment causes illness
This myth has been long debunked and was a theory going around almost a century ago before we knew exactly how illnesses are caused. There is no scientific evidence that shows you can receive an illness from a root canal. In fact, in a 2013 study, it was found that several dental treatments actually reduced the risk of certain cancers.
Myth: If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, There is No Need for a Root Canal
While a throbbing toothache typically is a sign you need a root canal, you don’t need to be experiencing pain for a root canal to be something you need. If your dentist finds damaged or infected pulp in the tooth, a root canal likely needs to be done whether you’re experiencing pain or not. Pain may come later if the tooth is left untreated and the damage worsens.
Myth: You Can Return To Your Normal Level Of Activity After a Root Canal
While there are several dental procedures that don’t require any downtime, a root canal is not one of them. Getting rest is crucial after a root canal. Try to sleep as much as possible to ensure a quick recovery. If you can get a day or two off work to rest and relax, you’ll likely be able to return to your normal routine much quicker than if you went right back to work.
You’ll also want to take a few days off exercising as well. Exercising too soon after your root canal could cause the tooth to bleed again and could make you feel achy for several days afterward.
And when you do go back to exercising after having a few days off, make sure you don’t overdo it. You don’t want to put unnecessary stress or strain on your body.
Schedule A Consultation
Whether you need a root canal or another dental procedure, Dr. Inna Chern and our team at New York General Dentistry can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile. To learn more, schedule a consultation at our New York City, NY office by calling (212) 838-0842 or using our online scheduling tool.
For over 20 years, Inna Chern, DDS has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
