Local Dentist Debunks the Misconceptions Surrounding Root Canal Therapy

Dental treatment techniques, processes, and technologies have come so incredibly far in the past several decades, resulting in treatments that are painless and easier to endure for patients than ever before. However, there is still one procedure that, for whatever reason, can strike fear into Los Angeles, California patients – the root canal. 

Even today, root canals suffer from myths and misconceptions of being difficult and painful. This is not true. Dr. Jose Omar Guillen of Westwood Village Smiles would like to share some familiar misunderstandings about root canals and why they are untrue.

Root Canals Are Painful

Nearly 60 percent of Americans are afraid of hearing that they will need a root canal because of how painful they are. This is not true in today’s dental world. Thanks to modern techniques and the use of local anesthetic, root canals are no more painful than getting a routine filling. Additionally, if you see a trained endodontist, they will know about pain management and can quickly mitigate any severe pain.

You Cannot Get A Root Canal If You Are Experiencing Infection

Have you heard anybody say that you cannot get a root canal if you have an existing tooth infection? This is the exact opposite of the truth. Root canals are almost always necessary because of an existing infection in a tooth. When damage has been done to the outer layers of a tooth, allowing bacteria to penetrate the inner pulp, infection will occur. When this happens, the infected material must be removed from within the tooth via a root canal. If left untreated, the tooth will only worsen, and you could experience tooth loss.

A Root Canal Can Make You Ill

You may have read concerns about how root canals will likely cause illness or make the patient more prone to future illness. The American Association of Endodontists has researched and debunked this claim. Absolutely zero scientific evidence links disease in the body to root canal treatment.

Multiple Appointments Are Required

There was a time when root canals took a long time to complete. They could even take multiple appointments. However, thanks to modern dental techniques and technologies, most root canals can be completed within a 60- to 90-minute appointment. This is not always the case, and there are specific instances where the complexity and severity of the infection could result in longer treatment times. Still, on average, root canals are done fairly quickly.

You Should Get Your Tooth Extracted

The goal of any dentist is to save your teeth at all costs. Losing teeth, especially if you do not plan on replacing them with a tooth replacement like a dental implant, can result in serious oral health complications in the future. You always want to do what you can to save your natural tooth, including getting a root canal. Root canals have a very high success rate, and once a crown is put in place to protect the tooth, it should save your compromised tooth.

If you are interested in learning more about root canals or are ready to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Guillen today by calling (310) 254-9355.

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