Defying Myths About Root Canals

Do you have a fear of a particular dental procedure? And do you know what prompted that fear? For many people, it’s stories that they’ve heard from friends, family, and co-workers about their own experiences. And for whatever reason, it seems that the subject of this article is at the top of the list of a lot of dental anxiety for patients of all ages. We hope the following information helps in defying common myths about root canals – even in pediatric dentistry — so you and your family can get the dental care they need.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

While every patient will have a different reason for the procedure, the most common reason is to eliminate pain that is resulting from a damaged or decayed tooth that can not be remedied using other forms of restorative dentistry in Scarsdale, NY. Apart from pain, leaving a damaged tooth in place without treatment can create other health problems such as an advanced infection. Contrary to a common myth that root canals cause teeth to become weaker, the opposite is true! Because the tooth is restored, it is stronger in its functionality than it would have been if left untreated.

Removing the Myth of the Unknown by Explaining What Happens During a Root Canal

The goal of modern dentistry, including that of Smile Scarsdale, is to help patients keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. When a tooth becomes compromised, one option is to have the tooth extracted. However, with the advances made in technology and dentistry in recent years, a better solution is to repair the tooth. To explain the procedure in an easy-to-understand way, a root canal consists of a small passageway created by your dentist that branches from the top of the affected tooth down into the tip of that tooth’s root for cleaning and treatment purposes. It may sound like a painful procedure, but in reality, the treatment helps to eliminate pain!

How Your Child Could Benefit from What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure

In pediatric dentistry, the procedure is used to save a baby tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This way, it prevents shifting of the surrounding teeth, which could negatively affect the overall alignment of your child’s teeth. Also, if a cavity goes untreated, it can worsen and reach the center of the tooth where the pulp is located. At this point, there usually will be a lot of pain as the tooth is inflamed and infected, and it will be at risk for extraction.