Four Common Root Canal Myths

Smiling young adult brunette female in the dental chair ready for root canal therapy

Do you cringe when you hear the term root canal? There’s no reason for that! We’re here to dispel four of the most common myths that give root canals a bad name! Keep reading to learn why there’s no need to fear this routine procedure.

Myth #1: Root Canals are Painful

Probably the most persistent myth is that root canals are terribly painful procedures. In fact, today’s root canal procedure actually looks a lot like a tooth filling. Thanks to numbing and sedation, you can expect to feel little-to-no pain during and after the root canal procedure.

Myth #2: It’s Always Better to Extract the Tooth

Most dentists will agree that it’s always better to save the natural tooth if you can do so safely and successfully. One of the best methods to save a tooth from damage and decay is to perform a root canal. While the restorations we offer are fantastic, functional, and natural, nothing can truly replace the real thing!

Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Cancer

Root canals are an incredibly routine procedure and they pose no real risk of illness. So where did this myth come from then? The rumor originates from a study that was run close to a century ago. The results were eventually debunked and abandoned, but not before the misinformation had a chance to spread.

Myth #4: Root Canals Take a Lot of Time

Root canals are not an especially laborious or involved procedure. Again, much like your dental fillings, root canals are often completed in just one or two visits to the dentist’s office.

Restorative Dentistry in Helotes, TX

In need of a restorative procedure? You’ve come to the right place! Here at Helotes Family Dentistry, we specialize in a variety of services to suit our patients’ unique needs. And we offer many flexible ways to pay for your treatments as well. We look forward to consulting with you soon!

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