Root Canals: Separating Fact From Fiction

Our bodies are brilliantly designed machines. When one of the parts of that machine isn’t working, your body will let you know. How does it do that? With pain, ladies, and gentlemen.

Pain works like your body’s internal alarm system letting you know when something isn’t right. In many cases, when something hurts, you can probably attribute that hurt to a specific cause. Maybe you stubbed your toe. Maybe you fell asleep in the recliner, and now your back hurts. When we can pinpoint the cause of our pain, it’s easier to decide what should be done about it. It might be temporary, so we patiently wait for the pain to subside. It might require the simple use of OTC pain relievers for a day or two.

For some reason, however, when it comes to pain in our mouth, whether it’s coming from one tooth in particular or an area around a tooth, we have trouble taking action. But the pain in your mouth should not go ignored. It could be an indication of an infection or other complication, and failing to address it could lead to serious problems.

You Have Nothing To Fear

Why is it so hard for us to be proactive when it comes to dental pain? Chances are, if you’re like millions of Americans, you have some dental anxiety. If going to the dentist terrifies you, you’ll go to great lengths to avoid it. But complications regarding your oral health can lead to all kinds of very serious problems with your overall health.

Of all the dental procedures we tend to fear, root canals seem to be at the top of the list. With all the advances in dental technology, root canals simply aren’t the same as they once were. And thank goodness for that! Yet, getting people to believe that root canals have become so much easier than they used to be is quite the challenge. Today’s blog separates fact from fiction about modern root canal therapy.

Root Canals Are Painful: Fact Or Fiction?

Fiction! Our highly skilled dentist, Dr. Cavendish, will begin by numbing the infected tooth using local anesthesia. He then will remove the infected pulp very gently. Using a state-of-the-art laser, Dr. Cavendish cleans and sanitizes the canal. In the past, dentists have had to do this with a sterilizing liquid, but thanks to the heat from the laser, the canal can be safely, powerfully, and painlessly sanitized. Most patients compare this modern form of root canal therapy to a simple filling procedure. So cross the myth about painful root canals off of your list of concerns!

Root Canals Mean Long Appointments: Fact Or Fiction?

Fiction! While your root canal may take longer than an average filling, it isn’t nearly as long as root canals used to take. Generally speaking, a root canal appointment could range anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. A follow-up appointment is required to fill the newly sanitized canal with gutta-percha, sealed with an onlay or inlay, and then covered and protected with a dental crown.

Root Canals Are A Better Option Than Extraction: Fact Or Fiction?

Fact! In the earlier half of the twentieth century, researchers claimed that root canals were unsafe and could lead to further infection. However, this is simply not true today. With laser technology and the use of antibiotics, all traces of infection are removed and prevented from returning to that treated canal.

We can’t say that root canals are ALWAYS the better option because that’s something only your dentist can determine based on your individual situation. But we can say that extracting a tooth and not replacing it can leave you vulnerable to potential problems such as bone resorption, premature wear on other teeth, and muscle imbalance. It also can be fairly expensive and often time-consuming to replace a missing tooth. In most cases, the ideal choice is to do whatever you can to save your natural teeth.

Root Canals Are The WORST!: Fact Or Fiction?

Fiction! As we mentioned earlier, laser technology has revolutionized modern dentistry and is largely responsible for taking the pain out of so many dental procedures. We hear from patients all the time who say their root canal by Dr. Cavendish was comparable to having a cavity filled.

We also do everything we can in our office to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during your treatment. We offer oral sedation for patients suffering from dental anxiety who need a little extra help feeling calm and relaxed. Our warm, friendly staff also knows how to make you feel at ease while you’re here.

Don’t Ignore The Pain

Ignoring pain in your mouth could have disastrous consequences. If an infection is causing your tooth pain, it could enter your bloodstream and cause any number of health problems. Do not ignore it or try to wish it away with medication. Err on the side of caution, and make an appointment with us right away!

Call 602-835-1304 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Cavendish, DDS.