Root Canal Myths

Root canal therapy is considered to be the most feared dental procedure. Does that surprise you? A survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontists reveals that most people with a fear of the dentist base their fear on someone else's experiences, not their own.

The inaccurate information about root canal therapy prevents patients from making an informed decision regarding their teeth. There are many patients that go as far as requesting that a tooth is extracted, rather than save it with a root canal. Before you believe the hype, take a look at the top root canal myths, and learn the truth for yourself.

Myth #1: Root Canal Therapy Is Painful
Root canal therapy is almost always preformed because a tooth is causing pain from an irreversible condition. Pulpitis, an infected pulp, broken teeth, or a slowly dying nerve are all common reasons for root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is used to alleviate pain. Most people who have root canal therapy admit they did not experience any pain during the appointment and felt better afterward. If you are suffering from pain on the day of your appointment, your apprehension and fear may heighten the sensations you feel during the procedure.

Myth #2: Completing a Root Canal Requires Several Appointments
Root canal therapy may be completed in one to two appointments. Factors that determine the number of appointments necessary to complete a root canal include:

• The extent of the infection
• The difficulty of the root canal
• Whether a referral to a root canal specialist, known as an endodontist, becomes necessary

Restoring the tooth after root canal therapy is necessary in order to ensure the tooth functions properly. The appointments necessary to completely restore the tooth, in essence, should not be considered part of the root canal process.

Myth #3: Root Canal Therapy Causes Illness
The idea that bacteria trapped inside an endodontically-treated tooth will cause illness, such as heart disease, kidney disease, or arthritis, stems from research conducted by Dr. Weston Price from 1910 to 1930 -- almost 100 years ago. Recent attempts to confirm Dr. Price's research has been unsuccessful in proving that root canal treatment causes illness. Bacteria can be found in the mouth at anytime. Even teeth free from decay and gum disease have tested positive for bacteria.

Myth #4: Teeth Need to Hurt Before Root Canal Therapy Becomes Necessary
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful. In fact, teeth that are already dead may require root canal therapy to prevent the tooth from becoming infected. Your dentist will examine your teeth thoroughly during your regular check-up. It is usually during this routine appointment where your dentist will discover a tooth that has died or is on its way. Tests used to confirm a dead tooth include:

• Temperature testing
• Percussion testing
• Using a pulp vitality machine

Myth #5: The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy Don't Last Very Long
A common misconception is that the benefits of root canal therapy don't last very long after the procedure has been completed. This myth originated after patients experienced their tooth breaking months after a root canal was performed on their tooth. When the nerve is removed from the inside of the tooth, the blood supply is eliminated from inside the tooth. The tooth eventually becomes brittle, and depending on the size of the filling used to close the tooth after the root canal, the forces from grinding, eating, and even talking may cause the tooth to break. Failing to have a crown placed on the tooth may cause this to happen. Technically, it is not the root canal that has failed; it is the restoration on the tooth that has failed.

As part of my team,  I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Kevin Gremillion, a dentist whose practice is restricted to endodontics, performing root canals in my office.  Having Dr. Gremillion on site eliminates the inconvienience of having to go elsewhere if a root canal is required during a visit.

What Are My Options For Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can lead to multiple dental health issues from malocclusion (poor bite), to alveolar atrophy (jawbone shrinkage), on top of difficulty with speaking and eating. When it comes to tooth loss, the consequences can be overwhelming. That’s why my office offers relief with Dental Implants.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is much like other dental restorations in that the crown is shaped and colored to look like a natural tooth. However, what sets dental implants apart from other dental restorations like dental bridges, dentures, and partials, is the titanium rod. This tiny biocompatible piece of the dental implant bonds to the jawbone. The rod allows a dental implant to not only look like a natural tooth, but also feel like a natural tooth. By mimicking a tooth root, the dental implant rod holds the crown in place, giving it strength and stability.

What are the benefits of a dental implant?

This tooth replacement will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying if your restoration will slip out of place or feel awkward. Dental implants also give you the freedom of a normal oral hygiene routine. You can clean and maintain your dental implant like you would your natural teeth, instead of removing them to soak in cleaner at night, or using special interdental brushing methods, as with dentures and dental bridges. In fact, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings, you can expect your dental restoration to last for your lifetime. One hidden benefit of dental implants is their ability to replace the chewing stimulation to your jawbone, once provided by your missing tooth. This keeps your jaw healthy and prevents alveolar atrophy as well as holds your surrounding teeth in relative position, avoiding malocclusion.

Stop suffering from the effects of tooth loss by making an appointment with my office about your dental restoration options and to see if dental implants are right for you.