{"id":14567,"date":"2024-09-11T18:20:23","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T18:20:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/?p=14567"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:39:22","slug":"root-canal-myths-to-debunk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/root-canal-myths-to-debunk\/","title":{"rendered":"Exposing Common Misconceptions: 3 Myths About Root Canals\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"person<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Your dentist just finished performing an oral examination and discovered that one of your teeth needs a root canal<\/a>. The news causes you to become anxious about your upcoming procedure, so you decide that you\u2019ll read about others’ experiences so that you\u2019ll be better prepared. Unfortunately, doing your own research can cause you to stumble across an array of misinformation surrounding this tooth-saving method. Instead, keep reading to learn more about three common root canal myths so that you feel more confident saying \u201cyes\u201d to treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Myth #1: Tooth Extraction is a Better Option Than a Root Canal.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth, it might seem as if removing it is the better solution. However, a root canal can actually be more worthwhile, especially since you can keep your natural tooth longer, and the procedure has a high success rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth extraction can require a more invasive procedure that results in additional treatments later on. Depending on how long you go without replacing an extracted tooth, you can experience loose teeth and bone loss over time. Not to mention, there is a greater cost that comes with tooth removal, as you will be strongly encouraged to seek a replacement option soon thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2: You Will Experience Extreme Pain During the Procedure.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is by far the most common myth associated with root canals, as it has been circulating for decades. Because modern medicine and technologies did not exist at one time, they were considered to be painful procedures. However, all of that has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Root canals are now completely safe and painless solutions that are designed to eliminate infection \u2013 the cause of your extreme discomfort. With the help of local anesthesia (and sedation if necessary), you will feel nothing throughout the procedure. The removal of the infected pulp also means that the original pain goes with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is true you might feel some temporary soreness following your appointment, it can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medicine until it subsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Cancer.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A 20th<\/sup>-century dentist named Dr. Weston Price is the reason for this myth. While conducting research, he falsely assumed that a canal with no live pulp is more likely to have bacteria that cause illnesses such as cancer. Researchers have since spent countless hours investigating this claim only to discover there is no viable proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern advancements and procedural techniques require that the tooth be sterilized during the process so that no bacteria remain. Also, the American Medical Association stated in 2013 that the chances of a person developing cancer after undergoing a root canal are no greater than someone who did not receive this type of dental procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting the facts about any kind of oral health concern or dental service is important, especially if you\u2019re being recommended for treatment. By taking the time to speak to your dentist about your concerns, they can clear up any confusion and dispel any myths so that you have the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/strong>
Westgate Dental Care cares about patient education. Our team consists of knowledgeable dentists who have years of training, experience, and education so that we can not only deliver first-rate services but also set the record straight when it comes to misinformation. Since root canals are a common target for such myths, we encourage you to visit our website<\/a> or call us at (847) 908-3684<\/strong> so that we can fully explain anything that might have you second-guessing your decision to pursue treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your dentist just finished performing an oral examination and discovered that one of your teeth needs a root canal. The news causes you to become anxious about your upcoming procedure, so you decide that you\u2019ll read about others’ experiences so that you\u2019ll be better prepared. Unfortunately, doing your own research can cause you to stumble […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nRoot Canal | Myths to Debunk | Westgate Dental Care<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Does the idea of a root canal scare you? 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