How a Root Canal Procedure Can Preserve Your Tooth and Relieve Your Pain

Root canals have gained a reputation over the years as being pretty painful. But the fact is, root canals play important roles in relieving and preventing pain — and in preserving badly damaged teeth.

The team at Brooklyn City Dental wants their patients to understand the true benefits of root canal therapy without getting sidetracked by “rumors.” This post dispels seven of the most common myths about root canals to help patients understand the essential role the procedure plays in preserving oral health.

Myth 1: Root canals are painful.

Fact: This is the most common myth — and it’s also very wrong. 

Our team uses the most advanced dentistry techniques combined with state-of-the-art pain management to help patients enjoy all the benefits of root canal therapy without the discomfort associated with old-fashioned procedures. 

Myth 2: It’s better to just pull the tooth.

Fact: The opposite is almost always true. Preserving a natural tooth avoids the need for bridges, dentures, or implants. Plus, it also maintains your natural bite balance, doesn’t require a special care routine — and it’s usually a lot less costly, too.

Myth 3: Root canals cause infections.

Fact: Nope — root canals are designed to treat infections located deep in the tooth’s central “pulp” portion. Our team removes the decayed pulp, thoroughly cleans the canals, then fills the tooth with a special material to prevent future infections. After the procedure, like all your other teeth, a root canal-treated tooth still needs regular brushing, flossing, and checkups to stay healthy.

Myth 4: Root canals require lots of visits.

Fact: Root canal treatment can usually be completed in just two visits: One visit to restore the damaged part of the tooth, and a second visit to place the crown that will protect your tooth. 

Myth 5: I only need a root canal if my tooth is really painful.

Fact: It’s true that throbbing tooth pain often indicates the need for a root canal to relieve the pain and prevent the tooth from breaking or falling out. But sometimes, a tooth can require a root canal even if it’s not causing pain. A good example is when significant decay or trauma damages the tooth’s nerve so much that it no longer sends out pain signals.

Myth 6: Root canals weaken teeth.

Fact: Actually, it’s damage and decay that weaken your tooth structure. Root canals use special filling materials to help stabilize the tooth. Plus, the tooth will be surrounded by a durable dental crown. Crowns provide significant strength and stability for the tooth, as well as helping it blend in beautifully with your surrounding teeth.

Myth 7: The tooth will fall out soon anyway.

Fact: Not so! With good oral hygiene habits, including routine at-home care and regular checkups at one of our Brooklyn offices, your natural tooth could last you for the rest of your life.

Don’t let myths about root canals keep you from getting the best, most appropriate treatment for your oral health. To learn how we can help you relieve pain and enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles, call our offices serving the Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York, or book an appointment online today.