Many of us believe that a root canal is an extremely painful treatment. However, root canal procedures are now revolutionized with the most modern and updated dental technologies. In case of a severe dental infection, anesthesia can be difficult to administer in which case your dentist may decide to give you antibiotics prior to the root canal procedure. Sometimes, a root canal appears too complicated to treat. Your dentist will refer you to a root canal specialist who is trained and qualified to perform root canal procedures.
However, there are many myths that surround root canal treatments. It is important that people should know what to expect before and after a root canal process. Here are some of the most common myths about root canals debunked:
Root Canals Rarely Work
Although nothing can replace your tooth, a successful root canal with a crown or an appropriate filling has a high success rate. Treatments are capable of lasting for a lifetime and about 85% of cases are successful in relieving pain and discomfort. A tooth that is infected again years after a root canal procedure can be retreated. However, in situations, such as a tooth fracture, bone loss around the tooth or deep root decay, may leave a specialist with no choice but to extract the affected tooth.
The Tooth Remains Sensitive
In reality, it is not normal to undergo continual pain that could last up to months after a root canal procedure. Causes of pain usually include hidden canals that were not cleaned or the tooth itself being broken to the root. Patients who suffer from pain after the procedure should consult a specialist after a certain period.
The Procedure ‘Kills’ the Tooth
A root canal disinfects the inside of the tooth so it can heal naturally. The blood vessels and the nerves situated in the pulp chamber nurture the tooth development if the patient is a child or a teenager. The nerve’s function is to cause pain when something is wrong with the tooth, in later years. Therefore, pain is actually a defense mechanism to signal an infection, inflammation or trauma and a sign that you should seek help.
Root Canal Treatment Is a Lengthy Process
Modern root canal treatment only requires a couple of hours in case there are no complications. A patient’s number of visits depends on the tooth’s condition and the number of canals. If the infection is severe, a root canal specialist usually places a drug inside to disinfect the interior of the roots. He then finishes the root canal treatment process a few days later. However, it can also be completed in a single appointment.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a root canal treatment often varies. However, getting a dental crown and a root canal remains less expensive than extracting a tooth or replacing it with dental implant or a bridge. It is common to experience some pain and inflammation after the root canal process but that depends on the complication of each individual case.