5 Myths About Root Canals

Nov 10, 2017

Have you been told you need a root canal? Before you panic, the more you know about this common, and often misunderstood procedure, the better. Root canal can save your tooth—and your sanity.

Five common myths include:

Are you in pain? If not, you don’t need a root canal. It may seem counter intuitive, but you don’t have to be in pain to have a problem. You may need a root canal, even if a tooth doesn’t seem to be bothering you, in order to avoid an infection. McMurray Dentists at Severns are able to run tests using temperature and percussion to determine if a root canal is necessary.
Root canals hurt. Not true. In some cases, a root canal is just as painless as having a cavity filled. A root canal actually relieves pain caused by pressure and decay that has progressed to the root.
Root canals are temporary. Again, not true. The crown used as part of a root canal will preserve your tooth for a lifetime. We will review with you how to take care of your oral health at home, and we ensure a proper-fitting, durable crown.
Root canals can put you at risk. Nearly a century ago, one doctor promoted a theory that extracting a tooth was the way to go. No scientific evidence supports that theory, and in fact permanently removing a tooth is a much more traumatic way to treat an infection.
You should have your tooth pulled instead. Nothing can truly replace a natural tooth. Not only is a root canal safe and effective, the treatment improves your overall health by ridding your body of bacteria.

Interested in more information about root canal treatments? Contact Severns, your McMurray Dentists, to learn what your options are. We’re available to answer all of your questions to give you peace of mind.

The post 5 Myths About Root Canals appeared first on Severns Dentistry and Orthodontics.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share

Mail

Author: Natalie Severns, DMD

Upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Severns specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She then did an externship in London, England, at the prestigious Guy’s Hospital. At this hospital, she learned top therapies in Dentofacial Orthopedics to provide her patients with the best possible facial esthetics.