Root Canal Myth Busters

If you are nervous about a possible upcoming root canal, do not fear; you are not the only one to feel this way. But you should know that your fears might actually be based on some commonly perpetuated myths. Let’s take a minute and bust those myths with the power of truth:

Myth: Root canals are painful.

Busted: The symptoms of an infected or diseased tooth include pain, whether it’s a moderate to severe toothache, sensitivity and tenderness. The actual root canal, however, was created to eliminate that pain. At the beginning, Dr. Scott Ervin will apply a powerful anesthetic; the area around your tooth will be completely numb so you don’t feel a thing. Afterward you might feel some tenderness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications can easily remedy that.

Myth: I’m not feeling any pain, so I don’t need a root canal.

Busted: Have you seen or touched a small pimple on your gum line? It may be a fistula, which your body created it to drain pus and pressure from an infection inside your tooth. The lack of pressure means you might have no pain. Fistulas can go away and then return at what seems like random intervals.

Myth: A root canal means I’m having my whole tooth removed.

Busted: A root canal cleans out the soft tissue and root inside your teeth, preserving the valuable outer bone. This can actually save your teeth from extraction.

Do you need a root canal in Terrell, Texas? Call Dr. Scott A. Ervin, DDS at 972-563-1670 and we’ll alleviate your pain as soon as possible.