When patients hear the words “root canal,” many immediately tense up. At Andover Smiles, we understand this reaction. Years of jokes and misinformation have given root canals an unfair reputation. The truth is, modern root canal therapy is nothing like the horror stories you might have heard. Today, we’re setting the record straight by busting the most common myths about root canals.
This is perhaps the biggest misconception about root canals. In reality, root canal therapy relieves pain, not causes it! The pain people associate with root canals actually comes from the infection in the tooth pulp that made the treatment necessary in the first place.
With today’s advanced techniques and effective anesthetics, most patients report feeling comfortable throughout their procedure. After treatment, you’ll likely experience significant relief from the throbbing pain that brought you to our office.
Some patients believe extraction is a simpler solution than a root canal. However, preserving your natural teeth is almost always the better option. Once a tooth is gone, it can lead to shifting of surrounding teeth, difficulty chewing, and even bone loss in your jaw.
Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant or bridge is typically more expensive and time-consuming than saving your natural tooth with a root canal. At Andover Smiles, we focus on conservative treatments that maintain your natural smile whenever possible.
You may have heard claims that root canals can lead to heart disease, arthritis, or other health problems. These myths stem from discredited research from nearly 100 years ago, conducted before modern medicine understood infection control or the immune system properly.
Multiple large-scale studies have thoroughly debunked these claims. The American Association of Endodontists and other dental organizations confirm that root canals are safe and effective. In fact, removing the infection in your tooth through a root canal can actually improve your overall health!
Modern root canal therapy is much more efficient than in the past. While some complex cases may require two visits, many root canals at Andover Smiles can be completed in a single appointment lasting about 60-90 minutes.
Our advanced equipment, including digital imaging and specialized instruments, allows us to work more precisely and quickly than ever before. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the procedure is.
Some people believe that teeth that have had root canal therapy are weak and will need to be extracted eventually anyway. With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime.
After your root canal, we’ll typically place a crown on the tooth to protect it and restore full function. This combination of treatments results in a success rate of over 95 percent for root canal therapy.
At Andover Smiles, our gentle approach to root canal therapy focuses on your comfort. We use precision techniques and powerful anesthetics to give you a pleasant experience. Our team takes the time to explain each step of the process before we begin, so you’ll never feel in the dark about your treatment.
Remember, putting off a needed root canal due to fear can lead to worsening pain, spreading infection, and potentially tooth loss. Don’t let outdated myths keep you from getting the care you need.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on your gums, these could be signs you need root canal therapy.
Call Andover Smiles today at 978-396-3935 to schedule an evaluation. You can also request an appointment online if you prefer. We promise that the reality of modern root canal treatment is nothing like the myths you’ve heard!
