
Mar
At Chalfont Dental Care in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, Dr. Varvara Clark and her team are committed to providing high-quality dental care, including root canal treatments, to help patients maintain healthy smiles. Unfortunately, many people fear root canals due to common myths and misconceptions. Modern root canal procedures are safe, effective, and designed to relieve pain—not cause it. Let’s debunk the five most unbelievable myths about root canals and set the record straight.
A widespread and persistent myth about root canals is that they are incredibly painful. Although this may have been the case decades ago, root canals are now frequently no more painful than a standard tooth filling because of advancements in dental technology and procedures (along with anesthesia). You will be very happy following your root canal because root canals are performed to eliminate pain caused by an infected tooth, providing much-needed relief.
Many believe that extracting a tooth is better than getting a root canal. However, when made available, preserving a natural tooth will always be the preferable and recommended option. Losing a tooth can often result in alignment issues, bone loss, and the need for costly tooth replacement options like a dental implant, bridge, or denture. A root canal lets you keep your natural tooth and maintain a healthy smile.
A long-standing but completely debunked myth claims that root canals could result in the development of systemic diseases. This misconception originated from outdated research conducted in the early 20th century, which has since been proven false by modern scientific studies. Root canals are safe and are not linked to illnesses in other body parts.
Some believe a root canal “kills” the tooth, making it brittle and non-functional. In reality, a root canal removes the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth while preserving the structure. Afterward, a dental crown is often placed to restore strength and function, allowing the tooth to last for many years.
Pain is a common symptom of a tooth that has become infected, but not all cases cause noticeable discomfort. Some teeth with deep infections may not hurt but still require a root canal to prevent further damage. Routine dental checkups with Dr. Clark can help detect problems before they have a chance to become severe and painful.
If you’ve been avoiding a root canal due to fear or misinformation, it’s time to get the facts. Dr. Varvara Clark and the team at Chalfont Dental Care are here to provide gentle, effective treatment to restore your smile. Call us today at (215) 826-3282 or visit www.chalfontdentalcare.com to schedule a consultation and learn more about how root canals can save your teeth!