There is a lot of misinformation out there about root canal treatment. Many people fear this procedure and arrive at the dentist’s office with a preconceived idea of how it will go. However, once they go through with the procedure, they discover their fears are unfounded. In this article, you will learn about the myths surrounding root canal treatment in Edmonton and whether or not there is any truth to them.
It is Very Painful
This is one of the most common reasons people fear root canal treatment. The truth is quite the opposite. In most cases, the reason why people undergo this procedure is because of dental cavities. Sometimes, these can be extremely painful, and receiving a root canal treatment near you relieves the patient. Also, our dentist will apply some local anesthetic before starting the procedure to numb the entire area. Therefore, you won’t feel anything at all. Sometimes, dentists even use general anesthesia on patients with phobias so they are unconscious during the procedure.
Even though you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, it is normal to be a little sore and experience some swelling afterward. Nevertheless, our dentist will prescribe some pain medication to help with this.
It’s too Expensive
This depends on how you look at it. Certainly, root canal treatment is more expensive than other simpler procedures offered at any dental clinic in Edmonton. However, this perception changes when we compare root canals to their alternative. Most of the time, they are performed on people with tooth decay. If left untreated, these people will need a tooth extraction and a tooth implant to replace the missing tooth. When you add up all of these expenses, root canal treatment is, without a doubt, the less expensive option and the most efficient one.
It Makes Your Tooth Weak
This is true for most patients. During root canal treatment, our dentist in West Edmonton will drill a hole into your tooth and remove all the infected and dead tissue. In some cases, this means removing a large portion of the tooth. As a result, it can become weak. However, when this happens, dentists place a dental crown on the tooth to make it strong again and prevent it from being fractured.
It is a Long and Complicated Procedure
Generally, root canal treatments can be performed in just one session. However, a second visit may be required to place the dental crown or when the pulp is significantly devitalized. The procedure is not complicated and is constantly performed by dentists with a high success rate. In a matter of days, you will be able to go back to your normal life and activities. In patients with tooth decay, this is a much better option than having their tooth extracted and replaced, which could take several weeks or months, especially if dental implants are involved.
They can Help Treat Tooth Sensitivity
This is true. Having sensitive teeth can be a real struggle for many people. Normally, when someone visits our dentist in West Edmonton because of this issue, they recommend desensitizing toothpaste and making lifestyle changes like avoiding acidic foods. However, in some cases, this isn’t enough, and the patient still experiences pain when exposed to warm or cold foods and drinks. Root canal treatment is an option for people with severe tooth sensitivity when no other treatment offers relief. During the procedure, the nerve is extracted. Therefore, the patient won’t feel any more pain.