Root Canal Treatment: Myths and Facts

Root canals can sound terrifying, especially when applied to children. But really, it is a common procedure that can save a dead tooth or allow it to die gently or with high technology. Parents need to understand root canal treatment facts because they tend to have doubts about this dental service.

What Is Involved in a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is the removal of infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleaning this area, and sealing it. This service is done when teeth are chiefly very badly damaged or rotten. This treatment saves the tooth from extraction.

Myth 1: It Can Be Very Painful

Most of the myths that people have about endodontic treatment include one that is common: 'Getting a root canal is very painful.' Well, it's not, as it comes to the fact that the experience itself isn't so painful while having modern anesthetics and techniques, in which such a procedure is almost equal to the filling of a cavity. That patient might experience discomfort after the procedure, but this will usually be over-the-counter pain relief.

Myth 2: Root Canal Treatment is Only for Adults

Another misconception is that a patient is too small or young to have root canal treatments. But that's not true. All cases like that can be handled by specialist dentists for root canal treatment done on children. Dentists might ask for a root canal to save the tooth if a child's tooth is rotten or infected. It prevents many subsequent complications like abscesses or losing the tooth.

Myth 3: Root Canal Treatment Indicates Severe Side Effects

There may be some side effects following root canal treatment, but these are rare and transient and usually happen for a short time after the procedure. Some forms of mild pain and swelling can develop after the procedure but commonly disappear in a couple of days. The risks of infection are very low when the procedure is correctly done by a skilled dentist.

Myth 4: Root Canal Treatment is Expensive

The actual cost of a root canal treatment depends on which dentist one goes to and where the dentist is located and will vary from place to place. However, it is usually much less costly than extracting a tooth and replacing it with an implant, for example. The root canal costs may be quite heavy for a complicated case, but in most cases, the value of tooth saving would surpass the expenses involved.

Usually, the entire thing goes on for one or two visits to a dentist. Additional care may be needed for children during the procedure, and for some complex cases, a specialist dentist root canal treatment may be required.

Myth 5: A Root Canal Will Weaken the Tooth

Many people think that a tooth would become weak after going through root canal treatment. True, the tooth structure is altered. However, a proper root canal makes the tooth stronger as it prevents further damage. Maple Ridge tooth root canal treatments preserve natural teeth for many years.

Myth 6: The Tooth Needs to Be Extracted Instead of a Root Canal

At times, there might be a tooth that is considered beyond saving. However, this isn't always the case. Quite often a damaged tooth can be saved by root canal treatment rather than extraction. A dentist will examine the tooth and determine whether root canal therapy would be appropriate.

If you are contemplating root canal treatment for your child, approach a qualified practitioner who will offer consultation in this field. This will help in detailing the various steps that will be involved in the procedure, as well as boosting comfort to the utmost level.