Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Many people visit their dentist for routine cleanings and exams, or for an occasional filling or two. Even cosmetic dental treatments may not seem all that bad to endure, given the results that it yields. But, mention the words “root canal” to a patient, and you can instantly see trepidation or downright fear flood their face. Forget what you may have heard about root canals because we are here to bust some common myths about this restorative treatment.
Myth: Root canals are SO painful!
The purpose of a root canal is to remove an infected nerve from inside of the tooth’s root. The nerve or pulp usually becomes infected because of a fractured tooth or extensive tooth decay. The root canal procedure itself is not painful. Before beginning, we ensure that your tooth is numb via a local anesthetic, just like we would before preparing your tooth for a regular filling. In a sense, a root canal is just a deeper filling.
Myth: A root canal will ruin my tooth.
This could not be further from the truth! In fact, the sole purpose of a root canal is to remove the damaged or diseased tissue so that the tooth can be saved from extraction. Afterward, the tooth is capped with a custom-made dental crown, which further strengthens and supports the tooth to withstand normal chewing and biting.
Myth: Why bother with a root canal, can’t we just pull it instead?
We get it, if you find yourself sitting at the dentist’s office and a root canal has been suggested, you are likely experiencing a great deal of pain at the moment and the first thing that comes to your mind is to remove the source of the pain, which is the tooth. While an extraction might be a suitable choice for a tooth that is beyond repair, removing the tooth and then replacing it with either a dental bridge or an implant takes more treatment time and costs as much or more in the long run. Also, you never want to have a tooth pulled and then ignore the fact that you have a hole in your smile. Not only can this affect your self-confidence, but it can throw off the balance of your bite, leading to even more oral health concerns.
Root Canal Treatment in Bloomsburg
Hopefully, busting these common myths will help dispel your fear or aversion to receiving a root canal, should you ever need one. Keep in mind that routine dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help you avoid developing extensive tooth decay that warrants the need for a root canal.
At Hamilton Dental Care, we strive to provide elite dental care for you and your family, which means preserving your oral health and provide you with the best treatment options available. Call our office at (570) 387-0533 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the services we offer.
Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.
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