Bogota Dental Center
85 East Main Street
Bogota, NJ 07603
888-505-1145

What Is A Root Canal?

Anyone feeling prolonged tooth pain should see their dentist. Prompt your dentist to inform you on what is a root canal and share any signs or symptoms of one you may have been noticing. Your teeth and gums can be greatly affected should a root canal go untreated.

Endodontist

Your dentist may recommend you see an endodontist if they are unable to diagnose root canals or treat them in their dentist office. An endodontist is a dentist with at least two years of additional years of advanced diagnoses and treatment of root canals. They limit their practice to helping their patients learn more about what is a root canal and how they can prevent them from recurring. Endodontists also treat difficult cases including blocked root canals and unusual oral structure.

Myths

Many myths have been created to describe what is a root canal and the treatment processes used. Some patients believe a root canal is drilling a canal into the tooth so the nerve can be extracted. This is a very popular myth. Your teeth naturally contain root canals. A small hole is drilled in the tooth to reach the canal and extract the decaying nerve. The myths surrounding what is a root canal and how they are performed discourage suffers from seeking treatment. Your dentist or endodontist can assure you many of these myths are untrue. If you are uncomfortable, talk to your dentist or endodontist about what is a root canal and the truth behind the treatment options available.

Myth: Root canal treatment is a very painful process.

Truth: Root canal treatment does not cause pain, but rather it relieves it. Root canal pain is caused by the decaying nerve and diseased pulp inside the tooth. Many people are nervous because of the pain associated with root canals. Having the pulp and nerve removed can relieve pain and speed healing. Modern technology and advanced treatment options have given oral health specialists the tools they need to make root canal treatment more comfortable. A recent survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontist showed patients who have had root canal treatment in the last few years have reported the procedure as painless.

Myth: Root canals cause illness.

Truth: This claim is based on the outdated research performed by Dr. Weston Price from 1910-1930. His research stated that bacteria trapped in the teeth during root canal treatment can cause almost any type of disease, including arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease and others. Dentists and endodontist clean and disinfect the root canal before sealing it. Modern research has shown people with root canals are no more likely to become ill than people without.

Myth: Tooth extraction is a better alternative to having a root canal.

Truth: Saving your natural teeth is the very best option. Keeping your natural teeth healthy is important to your quality of life. Bridges and implants are costly and can not always function as well as your natural teeth. Root canals have a very high success rate. Most root canal treated teeth last a lifetime. Before deciding on tooth extraction, be sure to learn what is a root canal and base your decision on modern research and treatment options available.