Dentist demystifies root canal treatment for Laguna Niguel residents

Do you want to have a root canal treatment done? Odds are, your answer is an emphatic “No!” In fact, this is probably the most dreaded procedure in dentistry. Many of our patients from Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, and other areas feel the need to avoid this procedure, even if that means postponing badly needed dental care. A tooth in need of root canal treatment may form abscesses; be sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure; and be subject to chronic or recurrent toothaches. Can the cure really be worse than the problem? No – it actually isn't bad at all. In reality, most of the beliefs that fuel fear of root canal treatment are nothing more than myths and misconceptions.

Does it hurt?
Pain is probably the number one concern about root canal therapy. You have surely heard people say that the procedure hurts, complications are common, and recovery is slow and painful. There may have been truth in these statements many years ago, before anesthetic techniques were perfected. However, today it is a safe, comfortable, predictable procedure. If you doubt this, you may be surprised at the results of a survey by the American Association of Endodontists. Six out of seven people who proclaim root canal treatment is painful have never experienced it personally!

Safety of root canal treatment
Another prevalent bit of misinformation is the risks associated with this procedure. One flawed study, performed nearly a century ago, concluded that root canal therapy could trap bacteria inside of a tooth, and that bacteria could later leak out, causing a host of diseases. This myth has been debunked in several ways. First, scientists have evaluated the research and determined that errors were made. Additionally, many studies, performed according to modern scientific standards of accuracy, have detected no such risks.

Root canal vs. extraction
The final, common myth is that pulling the tooth is a better option. Virtually any dentist would agree that saving the natural tooth, if possible, is always the best choice. Extraction might sound simple, but it leads to a whole new set of oral health problems. A missing tooth can interfere with chewing normally and speaking clearly, as well as ruining the appearance of your smile. Over time, the bone in that area deteriorates and nearby teeth lean towards the gap. Therefore, replacing the extracted tooth is crucial. The cumulative expense, time, and number of appointments required for extraction and replacement usually far exceeds that of root canal treatment.

Don't let misinformation stop you from seeking help for painful dental problems. Call 949-427-2096 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Nina or Alex Basti today.