Let’s face it: the moment you heard you needed a root canal, your stomach dropped. Your palms got sweaty. Sitting in the dentist’s chair for a regular cleaning can be stressful, let alone a more in-depth procedure. Especially if your mind goes to root canal procedure myths.

Root canal therapy has become something to be ashamed of and even fear. It’s likely that you’ve heard something either by word-of-mouth, on the internet, or in the movies, that’s caused fear or anxiety about getting a root canal. However, many of these myths about root canal therapy are either outdated or simply wrong.

Take it from us: you shouldn’t believe everything you hear about root canals. For starters, technology has come a long way over the years, and specialists go to great lengths to keep patients comfortable –– this procedure is one of the safest and most pain-free methods to saving your natural tooth. Our team at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado are experts in making your root canal comfortable and pain-free!

Still not convinced? We understand! It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous leading up to a dental procedure, but having the facts –– instead of just the rumors –– is important. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most common myths regarding root canal therapy to help put your mind at ease.

Myth 1: Root Canals are Painful

This myth is the one we hear most frequently from nervous patients, and it’s come about for a few reasons. First, an infected tooth is painful before it’s treated. Sometimes that pain may be associated with the procedure, but the root canal therapy is actually the way to eliminate the pain.

Second, this myth was actually true decades ago. The older treatments that were used long ago did cause some pain during the procedure, and the reputation has stuck around despite major improvements to the procedure and relaxation techniques. Thanks to advances in technology, a variety of options for sedation, and our team of highly-trained endodontic professionals, root canals are no more painful than receiving a dental filling.

Myth 2: Root Canals Can Cause Illness

Decades ago, people thought that root canals had the potential to cause heart disease, kidney disease. or arthritis. However, there is no valid scientific evidence that links root canal therapy to any kind of medical illness. Root canals are completely safe and rid the mouth of harmful bacteria infection, improving oral and overall health in addition to eliminating pain and restoring your smile.

Myth 3: You’re Better Off Having Your Tooth Pulled

Have you heard that it’d be easier to just have your tooth pulled and forget about it? This is simply not true! It is always better to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, by any means. If a tooth is removed unnecessarily, you may experience jaw pain, bite problems, and drifting teeth that can cause gaps in your smile. Root canal therapy is the best way to restore your smile while preventing further dental problems down the road.

As specialists who have collectively performed thousands of root canals, we can definitely say these myths simply aren’t true. But, we understand that you may still be nervous about your upcoming root canal. We prioritize carefully explaining each step of the needed root canal therapy to our patients, and review all of the available relaxation and sedation options prior to beginning treatment. For most patients, treatment can be completed in just one appointment!

When you need a root canal procedure, call a team of specialists you can trust. Our team here at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado will be happy to talk through any concerns you have regarding your treatment and help you on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation at our Colorado Springs or Pueblo locations!