Dr. Barry Rhome is proud to provide a wide range of treatments to patients throughout the greater Philadelphia area. While we highly value preventative care at our practice, sometimes dental problems are unavoidable. If dental decay progresses to the point that it reaches the tooth root, root canals offer a highly effective solution. In fact, a root canal often allows us to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be replaced.
Top 5 Myths About Root Canals
You may have heard the phrase “I’d rather get a root canal” before. While it’s an amusing joke, the truth is that root canals aren’t nearly as uncomfortable as most people think. If you’ve heard any of these root canal myths, it’s time to debunk them once and for all.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful
On the contrary, root canals help to prevent pain in the long-run. The root canal procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients feel almost nothing, and most patients experience only minor discomfort for a brief period following the procedure. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if needed.
Myth #2: Root Canals Don’t Last
False. Root canals provide a stable, reliable, long-lasting solution for dental decay.They relieve patients’ toothaches and preserve the tooth indefinitely. To ensure success in the long run, a well-made and well-fit crown combined with good at-home oral care practices will help your tooth last a lifetime.
Myth #3: Root Canals Aren’t Better Than Tooth Extraction
While sometimes the only option is to extract a tooth, we try to avoid that whenever possible. It’s almost always preferable to keep your natural teeth, and a root canal lets you do just that.
Myth #4: Root Canals Aren’t Necessary If There’s No Tooth Pain
Unfortunately, toothaches aren’t always a reliable indicator for dental health. If a tooth root has died, it may not cause pain, but could still need a root canal.
Myth #5: Root Canals Make You Sick
This is one persistent myth that should be banished forever. The idea that root canals contribute to illness comes from poorly designed “research” that took place a century ago. Subsequent studies have conclusively proven that root canals do not cause illness and are a safe, effective dental procedure.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Philadelphia Endodontist
Despite what you may have heard, root canals offer a convenient, comfortable, and effective treatment for advanced dental decay. With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Rhome has performed over 30,000 endodontic procedures and is one of the top endodontists in the Philadelphia area. Contact us today to learn more about root canals and schedule your consultation appointment!