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What are some myths and misconceptions about root canal therapy or RCT?

What are some myths and misconceptions about root canal therapy or RCT?

Root canal therapy is always an extremely painful ordeal → MYTH!

With modern technology and anaesthetics there is no need to fear that root canal therapy will be a very painful experience. It may only be as painful as when you get a filling. In saying this, after treatment your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Importantly though, root canal therapy can provide much welcomed relief for people experiencing severe toothache.

If you leave the problem alone it will go away → MYTH!

Not seeking dental treatment for fear of pain will almost inevitably lead to a worse outcome including risks associated with infection, increased pain and perhaps a need to extract the tooth. Much like the old saying, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, early dental treatment can save you a lot of pain, time and money.

It is better to pull a tooth than have root canal treatment → MYTH!

Preserving your natural teeth, where possible, is always the best option. As replacing the look or function of a natural tooth is very difficult, so it is important to always consider root canal treatment as an option. This endodontic treatment has a high success rate and root canal-treated teeth may even last a lifetime. In fact, after the removal of the damaged pulp in the particular tooth, the life of the tooth can increase manifold.

What are some myths and misconceptions about root canal therapy or RCT?

Root canal therapy is always an extremely painful ordeal → MYTH!

With modern technology and anaesthetics there is no need to fear that root canal therapy will be a very painful experience. It may only be as painful as when you get a filling. In saying this, after treatment your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Importantly though, root canal therapy can provide much welcomed relief for people experiencing severe toothache.

If you leave the problem alone it will go away → MYTH!

Not seeking dental treatment for fear of pain will almost inevitably lead to a worse outcome including risks associated with infection, increased pain and perhaps a need to extract the tooth. Much like the old saying, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, early dental treatment can save you a lot of pain, time and money.

It is better to pull a tooth than have root canal treatment → MYTH!

Preserving your natural teeth, where possible, is always the best option. As replacing the look or function of a natural tooth is very difficult, so it is important to always consider root canal treatment as an option. This endodontic treatment has a high success rate and root canal-treated teeth may even last a lifetime. In fact, after the removal of the damaged pulp in the particular tooth, the life of the tooth can increase manifold.