7 Truths About Root Canal and Root Canal Alternative Procedures You Should Know

With modern advances in dental technology, there are plenty of compelling reasons to visit your family dentist – before any discomfort begins, or worse, before it becomes a dental emergency. Here we debunk a few of the most common myths about root canal therapy (endodontics), cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care.

Myth: A root canal is the only alternative to tooth extraction for saving a tooth.Truth: Alternative Root canal treatment may be indicated under certain circumstances, such the source and severity of the tooth’s infection. Often, there are other factors, such as a periodontal (gum and bone) infection present, that may not indicate a patient’s need for root canal.

Myth: A root canal cannot be performed by a dentist if you have dental crowns.Truth: Your family dentist will make a proper diagnosis and recommendation based on your existing tooth structure, including any existing cosmetic dentistry. If it is determined that you need a root canal, or an alternative root canal procedure, a temporary crown may be indicated before any necessary tooth restoration. New dental crowns may be indicated depending upon the location in the mouth, and the health of surrounding teeth.

Myth: A visit to an emergency dentist is an alternative root canal treatment because it eliminates painful symptoms.Truth: A dental emergency does not replace a patient’s need to keep ongoing appointments with a family dentist. It is only a temporary fix. A follow up visit will be necessary to discuss treatment options, including a root canal or root canal alternative to address the source of the infection. If left untreated, and infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Myth: A tooth extraction prevents a patient from future cosmetic dentistry procedures.Truth: Root canal or root canal alternative procedures that address the infection in tooth’s nerve anatomy will help prevent complications,not cause them. Saving a tooth is far more desirable than a tooth extraction; an existing tooth is more esthetically natural, and even if it has had root canal treatment, it can be an important “anchor” for cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Myth: Pain after root canal is a sign of an unsuccessful Truth: It is the infection of the nerve inside the tooth (pulp) that causes a patient’s pain. Mild discomfort from root canal or alternative root canal can be compared to other minor dental procedures, such as getting a cavity filled. Once the infection is cleared up, often with supplemental antibiotics, tooth pain dissipates because the canal is filled and blocked from further nerve inflammation.

Myth: A specialist in root canal dentistry is necessary for every case.Truth: All dentists are trained to perform root canal or alternative root canal procedures. Specialists in the dentistry field of endodontics are referred from a family dentist if necessary, and sometimes other specialists, such as a periodontist (gum and structure specialist) are consulted if the tooth has other complications.in order to assess the prognosis and ultimately save the natural tooth.

Resources for patients are available from a number of sources to explain endodontics and alternative root canal procedures. An authoritative and friendly source is from the ”https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/” American Academy of Endodontics .