Out of all the dental treatments out there, root canal therapy probably has the worst rap. Whether it’s because of how things used to be done in the past or some other reason, this procedure has become shrouded in myth. The problem is, those myths may actually stop people from getting root canal treatment when they need it, which only ends up hurting their dental health in the long run.

To help separate fact from fiction, we decided to tackle some of the most common misconceptions about root canal therapy

Misconception 1: Getting Root Canal Treatment Hurts.

This is the number one myth that we hear about root canal therapy, and we’re very happy to say that it’s not true. These days, there are a number of safeguards in place, ensuring that you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. These include local anesthesia on the treatment area, dental sedation options, and other modern technology, techniques, and tools.

Misconception 2: If I’m Not in Pain, Then I Don’t Really Need a Root Canal

Dental pain is one of the most common symptoms of an infection that requires root canal treatment, but it’s not the only one. It’s possible that the nerve inside your tooth is dead or dying and that’s why you’re not experiencing any discomfort. In that case, a dead or dying tooth still needs to be treated.

Misconception 3: Getting a Tooth Extraction Is Better Than Getting Root Canal Therapy

As dentists who practice honest, patient-focused care, we operate under the belief that keeping your natural teeth is always the best option. It’s true we can use a tooth extraction to deal with a severely infected tooth, but we’ll only ever recommend that if a root canal treatment is not possible.

Root Canal Therapy at Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry

Have more questions? Is there something else you’ve heard about root canal therapy that you’re not sure is true? Contact Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry! We provide gentle root canal care at our practice in Jackson so we’re more than happy to help.