Endodontic care in Fairfield: Busting common myths about root canal therapy 

Many patients experience immediate anxiety when their dentist recommends root canal therapy. That often happens because they aren’t familiar with the procedure or have heard awful things from others. Root canal therapy, or RCT, is a common endodontic treatment used to save an infected tooth. Your dentist in Fairfield, CA, will share more relevant details about your symptoms and treatment, but for your help, we have bunked a few myths about RCT. 

1. Misconception – Root canal therapy will require multiple appointments

Truth: RCT can be completed in one appointment. 

Root canal therapy involves removing decay, the pulp, and tissues from the inside of an infected tooth. The procedure has more than a few steps, but your dentist will be able to complete everything in a day. However, at times, a dentist may recommend dividing the treatment into two to three appointments to accelerate healing so that you don’t have to sit in the dental chair for long. Also, if the root canals are curved or hard to reach and clean, the procedure can take longer. For typical cases, RCT can be completed in a session. 

2. Misconception – Root canal therapy is painful. 

Truth: RCT doesn’t hurt 

Decades ago, root canal therapy was a painful procedure, but not anymore. Today, RCT is no different than standard cavity fillings. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and you will not feel anything. If you still have dental anxiety, you can ask your dentist whether sedation is an option. Your dentist will only drill the access opening and start cleaning the inner chamber and root canals when the tooth and surrounding gums are numb. 

3. Misconception – There will be pain afterward.

Truth: Most concerns and discomfort are manageable 

While you may experience some discomfort and pain as the anesthesia effects fade, these aspects are manageable. Your dentist will give you over-the-counter pain relievers, and depending on the case, they may even recommend antibiotics. Also, the symptoms after root canal therapy should get better within a few days. Call the clinic if you are unable to deal with the pain or if there are other issues like bleeding. 

4. Misconception: It is better to remove an infected tooth

Truth: RCT is always better than pulling a tooth 

Dentists do everything to save your natural tooth, and that’s always a better approach. Despite available restorations, nothing offers the comfort of natural teeth. Extracting a tooth may sound simpler, but can lead to serious consequences. There will be a rapid decline in bone mass, and the adjacent teeth may shift from respective positions, leading to misalignment of the bite. Root canal therapy is highly effective, and the outcomes can often last a lifetime. Also, the process of getting replacement teeth is more time-consuming and expensive than RCT costs. 

5. Misconception: I don’t have any symptoms, and hence don’t need RCT

Truth: The procedure is critical if you have an infection in a tooth

Dentists recommend root canal therapy even if a patient has no symptoms. While pain and sensitivity are common signs of a tooth infection, you may not have any of them. The dentist will usually do a diagnosis based on X-rays and an oral exam, and RCT would still be necessary. 

Final takeaway

Root canal therapy remains the only procedure to save an infected tooth. Extracting a tooth is never the first choice, especially because of the additional concerns associated with losing natural teeth. Select a dental clinic in Fairfield that specializes in RCT, and if you have any concerns, talk to your dentist and ask questions. They will also recommend that you get a crown afterward.