We also work hard to make sure each of our patients feels comfortable and relaxed during any appointment. In this article, we’ll help reduce your dental anxiety by setting the record straight on root canals.

Myth 1- A tooth extraction can take the place of a root canal.

Root canal therapy, or RCT, is an endodontic treatment, which means it pertains to the inside of a tooth. Endodontic treatments offer the only solution for retaining an internally infected tooth. You should always try to salvage natural teeth. A natural tooth keeps your jaw strong and your bite balanced. 

The other treatment for an internally infected tooth is extraction and replacement, which requires more time, more expense, and often more procedures in the future.

In the simplest terms, root canal therapy involves these steps:

• You will receive medication to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. This will keep you comfortable throughout the RCT procedure.
• Next, your dentist preps the treatment area.
• He removes inflamed pulp from inside the tooth.
• Your dentist sanitizes the tooth.
• A filling is placed inside the tooth.
• Your dentist preps the tooth for a permanent crown.
• A temporary crown is placed on the top of the tooth.
• When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist replaces the temporary with the final restoration.

Avoid eating sticky or hard foods until you receive your permanent crown. Other than that, you can enjoy life and your toothache becomes a memory.

Myth 2- Endodontic treatments require many appointments. 

For some reason, people often associate root canal therapy with multiple visits to a dentist or specialist. 

While every patient is different, most RCT treatments only take one to two appointments to complete. The number of visits you may need depends on the extent of infection in your tooth, the difficulty level of the procedure, and the location of the tooth.  

Your RCT appointment(s) will include placing a temporary crown. Endodontic treatments and temporary crowns usually only take one appointment. However, you will still need a permanent crown, which will require a separate appointment. 

Myth 3- Root Canals cost a lot.

When you think of a root canal therapy, do you dread the bill? Root canal treatments often cost much less than extraction and replacement. 

If you avoid treatment, your risk of needing a total tooth extraction and replacement increases. This will involve deciding whether you need dentures, bridges, or dental implants. While these replacement options work wonderfully, they often cost more and require more care. 

Routine costs of root canal therapy vary depending on the following issues:

• The number of canals that need treatment.
• Whether you use a specialist or a general dentist. 
• Whether the treatment is your first root canal or the retreatment of a previous root canal.
• The amount your insurance will cover. 

Myth 4- The treatments provide only a temporary fix.

A lot of people believe endodontic treatments only provide a temporary fix. However, with the right care, the results can last a lifetime. Many patients never require further treatment after a completed RCT procedure. Root canal therapy results have been known to last as long as 20 years. 

Myth 5- Root Canals will cause discomfort. 

Discomfort during the root canal remains a top concern for 67% of patients according to the American Association of Endodontists. However, many people feel no discomfort during RCT. 

Dr. Bridges will carefully numb the tooth and surrounding tissues to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the entire appointment. In the end, treating the infected tooth will relieve nerve pain and infection, thus you will no longer suffer from a toothache.

Do you have a toothache that just won’t stop? 

Have you worried about dental costs or treatments? Come see the experts at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. We are always happy to answer all of your questions and can help you feel better right away. Call us today at 580-255-4880 or make an appointment online.

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