Dentist near Ladera Ranch demystifies root canal treatment
Do you shudder when you hear the words root canal? Do you think it would be better just to pull the tooth than endure the treatment? If so, you are not alone. Fortunately, this procedure does not live up to its nasty reputation. In fact, it doesn't even come close. Here are the top five root canal myths that you have probably heard, and may have believed.
- Myth – The procedure hurts
Fact – The tooth is numbed, so there is very little, if any, pain during root canal treatment. With modern techniques, the most common complaint is that the procedure is boring. In our office, we use comfort technology for gentle injections, enabling a truly comfortable process.
- Myth – Recovery is slow and painful
Fact – There is minimal discomfort after treatment. In fact, most of the soreness that people feel is actually caused by the infection and inflammation that was present before treatment. A root canal procedure corrects the problem, but it can take a few days for irritated tissues to recover.
- Myth – The toothache will probably come right back
Fact – Root canal treatment has a very high success rate. Once the nerve, the damaged pulp, and the infection have been removed, the toothaches stop!
- Myth – Root canal treatment can make you sick
Fact – This idea dates back to a flawed study nearly a century ago. Modern researchers have determined time and again that root canal therapy is safe and effective.
- Myth – A pregnant woman cannot have a root canal
Fact – Out of an abundance of caution, we prefer to schedule any dental work prior to pregnancy, or after birth. When dental work is scheduled during pregnancy, the second trimester is best. However, root canal treatment can be performed safely at any stage, with the proper precautions. Extreme pain causes an unhealthy level of stress, and an abscess risks releasing a large amount of infection into a person's system. Either of those conditions poses a risk to pregnancy. In such situations, it is best to have a root canal treatment as soon as possible.
If you have tooth pain or infection, there is no need to delay getting the help you need. Call
949-427-2096 and schedule a consultation to find out if root canal therapy, or another procedure, is the right solution for you. Our office is located in Mission Viejo, near Ladera Ranch.