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Root Canal Myths Vs. Facts: What Houston Patients Should Know
Few procedures carry more myths than a root canal. You may have heard it’s unbearably painful, risky, or worse than removing the tooth. In reality, modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain, save your natural tooth, and get you back to normal quickly. If you’ve been told you need one—or if you’re just root-canal curious—this guide answers common questions with straightforward facts.
Myth #1: Root Canals Hurt
Fact: The purpose of a root canal is to end tooth pain caused by deep decay, cracks, or infection. With today’s anesthesia and calming techniques, most patients report that treatment feels similar to getting a filling. Because infection is addressed and pressure is relieved, post-op comfort usually improves quickly.
Myth #2: It’s Safer To Pull The Tooth
Fact: Keeping your natural tooth—when it’s savable—is usually best for chewing efficiency, jawbone health, and overall function. Extraction creates a new problem: a gap that can lead to shifting teeth and bone loss. Replacing the tooth later often involves added time and cost. A well-performed root canal plus a protective crown can let you keep your tooth for many years.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illness
Fact: This old rumor has been debunked for decades. Modern sterilization, antiseptic techniques, and precise instrumentation make root canal therapy a safe, routine dental procedure. Clearing infection protects your oral and overall health.
When A Root Canal Is Recommended
- Persistent toothache, especially on biting or with hot/cold
- Prolonged sensitivity that lingers after the stimulus
- Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump on the gums
- Deep decay on X-rays or a cracked tooth reaching the nerve
- Darkening of a tooth after trauma
If you notice several of these signs, timely treatment can prevent more complicated care later.
What Actually Happens During The Procedure
- Comfort First: We numb the area thoroughly and, if you’re anxious, discuss sedation options.
- Access & Clean: A small opening is made to reach the inflamed or infected pulp.
- Shape & Disinfect: Very fine instruments clean and shape the canals; disinfectants remove remaining bacteria.
- Seal: The canals are filled with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
- Build Back: A filling seals the top; many teeth also need a crown to restore strength.
How Long It Takes
Many root canals are completed in a single visit, though complex roots may benefit from two. You’ll leave with instructions for managing any mild tenderness (usually short-lived) and a plan for your final restoration.
Crowns After Root Canals—Why They Matter
Back teeth do most of the heavy chewing. After infection and decay, the remaining tooth structure can be brittle. A custom crown reinforces the tooth against future cracks and restores proper shape and contact with neighboring teeth.
What If The Tooth Can’t Be Saved?
In some cases—like a fracture extending below the bone—extraction is the wiser choice. We’ll review replacement options such as a dental implant or bridge so you maintain function and appearance with minimal downtime.
Aftercare And Prevention
Take any recommended medications as directed, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored, and keep up with cleanings and exams. Good home care—brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth, and wearing a night guard if you clench—reduces the risk of future cracks or decay.
Benefits At A Glance
- Rapid pain relief and infection control
- Preservation of your natural tooth and bite
- Fewer downstream costs compared to extraction and replacement
- A predictable, comfortable procedure with modern techniques
Have questions or tooth pain today? Call Blush Dental Orthodontics & Implants in Houston at (832) 930-7803 to Schedule a Consultation and find out whether a root canal can save your tooth comfortably.
