Between search engines like Google and social media platforms like YouTube, there is a seemingly endless amount of information out there. Of course, not all of it is true. With root canals specifically, there is a lot of misinformation, which unfortunately causes many patients to postpone getting the dental care they need. To prevent that from happening to you, keep reading to learn four common myths about root canals.
Myth #1: Root Canals Hurt
One myth about root canals that persists to this day is that the procedure is painful. In fact, that’s one of the reasons this emergency dental treatment is so feared! The truth is that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort in the treatment chair because your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand. Plus, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions, like taking OTC pain medication as directed, to help you heal comfortably too.
Myth #2: Root Canals Make You Sick
This myth stems from poorly designed research conducted back in the 1920s. At the time, a man named Dr. Weston Price claimed that it was better to remove the tooth because root canals didn’t remove all of the bacteria. Not only have his findings been disproven several times, but there isn’t any scientific evidence to back up the claims today.
Myth #3: Root Canals Are Expensive
Oftentimes, patients are scared of two things: pain and price. If you’re worried about the latter, then you’ll be happy to hear that dental insurance providers often cover a portion of the cost. Plus, if you are uninsured, there are several other financial solutions available, including flexible financing. So, you don’t have to stress – there’s usually a way to get the dental care you need without stretching your budget.
Myth #4: Root Canals Are Bad News
Usually, patients interpret needing a root canal as bad news. In reality, it’s actually good news because this emergency dental treatment allows us to eliminate the infection and save your tooth! Thanks to custom and lifelike dental crowns, the final result will look and feel natural too, ensuring no unwanted attention is drawn to your smile moving forward.
About the Practice
Whether it’s time for your routine checkup or you need a root canal, you can turn to our team at the Dental Center of Midlothian for custom and compassionate care. We’ll go the extra mile to make your experience at our office positive too – whether that’s adding sedation dentistry to your treatment plan or scheduling your appointment in the afternoon so you have the evening to recover. If you have any questions for us or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (972) 723-3567.