Many people associate root canals with long, uncomfortable appointments, yet the procedure is typically far more manageable than its reputation suggests. In this article, we clear up some of the most common misunderstandings about root canals so you can feel more at ease.
Myth One (Not Every Toothache Needs a Root Canal)
It is a common assumption that any toothache automatically calls for a root canal, but that simply is not accurate. Sensitivity or inflammation in a tooth can often be reversible and short-lived. A root canal typically becomes necessary only once the nerve and blood vessel tissue inside a tooth has sustained permanent, irreversible damage from a bacterial infection or trauma.
That said, certain signs tend to point toward the need for a root canal, including the following:
- Discomfort from cold foods or drinks that lingers for more than ten seconds
- Pain that appears on its own, even when you are not eating or drinking anything
- Swelling in the gum tissue near the tip of a tooth’s root or roots
Should any of these symptoms show up, it is best not to brush them aside. Schedule a dental evaluation as soon as you reasonably can.
Myth Two (Sedation Is Not Required for a Root Canal)
Sedation is available for patients who want it during a root canal, though it is by no means mandatory. Fear or anxiety leads many dental patients to ask for sedation so they can sleep through the treatment.
For others, though, the idea of sedation itself feels scarier than the root canal, and this misplaced worry can lead them to put off dental treatment they genuinely need. Anyone facing a root canal should talk with their dental care team about the relaxation and sedation choices available during treatment. Options beyond full sedation include a local anesthetic on its own or laughing gas.
Myth Three (Root Canals Do Not Cause Cancer)
This particular myth has picked up traction recently as a conspiracy theory, claiming that over 90 percent of cancer patients have had a previous root canal treatment. Even if that figure holds up, and precise numbers are difficult to verify, it only points to a correlation rather than a cause. Correlation and causation are not the same thing, and the difference matters here. Two things can occur together purely by coincidence, whereas causation means one factor directly produces the other.
At this time, no research exists demonstrating that root canals cause cancer. Any apparent connection is more likely tied to the underlying infections and inflammation that make a root canal necessary in the first place, not to the treatment that clears those problems away. Some research does point to a relationship between chronic infection or inflammation and cancer, which suggests that skipping a needed root canal could work against you rather than protect you.
Common Questions Patients Ask About Root Canals
What Does a Root Canal Involve?
Also known as endodontic treatment, a root canal is a procedure in which infected pulp is removed from a tooth, after which a crown is placed over it to seal and protect it.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
For most patients, the level of discomfort during a root canal compares to what you would feel with a cavity filling. Any discomfort typically subsides within about 24-48 hours after the procedure, though you may notice some tenderness or mild discomfort when biting down for a couple of days afterward. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help with this.
Reach Out to The Smile Architects to Learn More About Root Canals
The Smile Architects is committed to helping our patients and the wider community understand the dental procedures available to them. Having accurate information puts you in a better position to make sound decisions about your dental health and the treatment options available for your condition. Call 704-875-1621 or get in touch with our office today to learn more about root canals and schedule an appointment.