You’ve probably heard about fake news. It’s not a recent problem — there’s been junk science, rumors, and misunderstood concepts forever — but the internet makes it much easier to spread and believe fake news.
That’s certainly true for root canals. For example, you might wince just thinking about how much they hurt. But the truth? Root canal procedures are virtually painless.
Call our Nashua, NH dental office today at 603-546-7460 and make an appointment for a thorough dental exam. Our highly experienced dentists know how to spot infections inside teeth, and how to use root canals to comfortably remove the infection.
Why Would You Need A Root Canal?
There are harmful bacteria in everyone’s mouths. They survive on bits of food that get stuck in your mouth, and they produce an acid. This is what causes cavities and gum disease.
Things get worse when there’s a crack in your tooth. Your enamel protects the dental pulp inside the tooth, home to your blood vessels and nerve endings for the tooth. But when you have a crack, the bacteria can reach the pulp. The same is true for a cavity that grew too deep.
When your dental pulp gets infected by bacteria, you usually know it. As the infection grows, it causes a powerful toothache. But what’s worse is how the infection starts turning your enamel brittle and easy to break.
That’s why you need a root canal. It removes the infection, ends the toothache, and saves the tooth. Not too bad from one dental treatment.
Root Canal Procedure Explained
Here’s what you can expect from visiting Nashua Family Dentistry for a root canal.
- Our dentists thoroughly examine your teeth, including digital X-rays to find exactly where the infection can be found.
- The tooth and area around it are numbed with local anesthesia.
- If necessary, you can get dental sedation at this point to feel relaxed.
- A small opening is made in the tooth.
- Using their specialized training and tools, our dentists gently remove the infection.
- Any space left behind is filled with an inert substance.
- Finally, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to seal the opening and make the tooth stronger.
The Fake News About Root Canals
Before you call our Nashua, NH dental office to schedule an appointment, here are some common fake news items about root canals and the truth you need to know.
FAKE: Root canals make your tooth weak.
TRUE: Infections weaken teeth, but root canals make them strong again.
Because root canals come after a tooth has been infected, some people think it’s the root canal procedure that makes a tooth weak. That is untrue. The infection turns your enamel brittle and weak. In fact, the root canal procedure finishes with a dental crown placed over the tooth. This adds protection to the tooth and makes it stronger, not weaker.
FAKE: Root canals cause cancer, arthritis, and more.
TRUE: It’s impossible for a root canal to cause any of that.
A study published almost 100 years ago said that, by removing the infection, root canals lead to health problems like cancer and arthritis. It was soon debunked, but the internet makes everything available without context. The truth is that removing the infection makes you healthier, not worse.
FAKE: Root canals are painful.
TRUE: With local anesthesia and modern techniques, yours is virtually pain-free.
It’s possible that root canals were painful a long time ago, but that’s certainly not the case now. With our dentists’ advanced training and experience, plus with some local anesthetic and dental sedation, you can feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your root canal procedure. The only painful thing is the toothache that root canals get rid of.
Call Nashua Family Dentistry today at 603-546-7460 or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment for a root canal. That toothache is only going to get worse until the tooth needs to come out. But a root canal from our Nashua dentists will save the tooth and relieve the pain.