Busting the Myths of Root Canal Surgery

How this dental procedure has changed over the years.

Root canals have a bad reputation. There are a lot of stories going around about these procedures, most of them because of historical treatments and mistakes. Dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades, but these rumours are persistent. If you’ve been putting off your dental treatment because of old stories, here are some of the myths you need to forget.

1.     Root Canals are Painful

Actually, the decay and the infection that makes a root canal necessary are painful and the root canal removes the cause of the pain and relieves it. During the root canal procedure itself your mouth will be numbed using a local anaesthetic, so you might find that it’s the most comfortable you’ve been since the problem started. You may experience some pain as the needle goes into your gum to make it numb, but your dentist can help with this as well with some numbing salve. Afterwards, the infection will be gone but the damage done to surrounding tissue will remain. This is why you may still experience some discomfort until your mouth completely heals. But it will be far less painful than the gum pain and toothache that came before it.

 2.     You Need Several Appointments for a Root Canal

Most of the time, a root canal can be completed in a single appointment. It’s only if you’ve ignored the problem for a long time or have additional conditions and problems that you will need more than one appointment.

3.     Dental Problems Always Hurt

A lot of people avoid the dentist because they believe that if their mouth doesn’t hurt, there’s nothing wrong. Unfortunately, this approach usually results in a late-night trip to the emergency dentist with severe pain or infection. Depending on your mouth and your pain tolerance, you can have a serious dental problem without much pain. That’s why regular check-ups and cleans are so important, because they give your dentist a chance to assess your overall oral health.  

4.     A Root Canal Spreads Infection

This is an old myth based on outdated information. Having a root canal doesn’t allow the infection in your tooth to spread throughout your body. Your mouth, and every other part of your body, is filled with bacteria, which is only a problem when infection develops and is left to fester.  

5.     Root Canals Kill the Tooth

A tooth can’t be killed. What a root canal does is remove the infected pulp inside the hard shell of your tooth. The tooth is then filled with a permanent filling material that allows it to function as normal. This saves the tooth, eliminates the infection, and save you from pain and future oral health problems.  

6.     An Extraction is more Effective

An extraction will get rid of the pain and infection certainly, but it will also cause long term oral health problems. When you have a missing tooth, it causes bone loss. The shape of your jaw will change, and the surrounding teeth will collapse towards the gap. The gap in your teeth can also become a breeding ground for infection and be difficult to keep clean. On the other hand, when you have a root canal the tooth is saved and will function just like the other teeth. So, if possible, try to make sure that you keep all your teeth.

7.     A Root Canal is Temporary

Lots of people believe that the effects of a root canal don’t last. This is probably because of stories about people’s teeth breaking after this treatment. When the pulp is removed from your tooth it can become brittle and break during chewing or biting. That’s why your dentist will fit a crown over the top of the tooth to strengthen and protect it. So, make sure you don’t ship this essential step to ensure that the benefits of your treatment are permanent.

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.

Soft Teeth

Is there really such a thing?

If you haven't said it yourself chances are that you've heard someone say it; I have soft teeth. But exactly what is that supposed to mean and is there really such a thing? The simple answer is no.

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The Soft Teeth Myth

People often use the term 'soft teeth' to describe teeth that seem 'naturally susceptible' to tooth decay and cavities. When using the term people believe that such things are caused by some genetic flaw, as bad teeth do seem to run in their family. However, they are mistaken. Everyone is 100% in control of their dental destiny. No matter how many cavities your Dad has had fixed, or how many times your Mum has been in the dentist's chair to get bleeding gums looked at their oral health problems cannot be passed on to you.

There may be something that you have in common with your parents and other family members that may be contributing towards oral health problems; poor oral hygiene, and you are the only person who can change that.
 

Preventing 'Soft Teeth' Problems

Having established that there really is no such thing as soft teeth all of the problems that people associate with them are very real and do need to be addressed. Tooth decay - which leads to those fillings - is primarily caused by bacteria, and maintaining a good daily oral health routine will go a long way towards preventing it. Brush twice a day - at least - with a good toothbrush, floss at least once a day and avoid consuming too many sugary foods; it's not hard at all, but such a routine is still very effective.

There are of course other factors that can contribute to tooth decay. Those who still smoke are at greater risk and some medications can cause problems as well. The best way to address these issues is to discuss them with your dentist, so they can help you come up with a better way to care for your teeth. And speaking of the dentist, they are the other big part of the puzzle, as those regular checkups are also a must in the 'battle' against tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Setting a Good Example

The one time you can influence someone else's oral health destiny is when you are raising your kids. It's important that kids are taught about good oral health practices as early as possible, even when they still have their first set of teeth. All too often parents feel that toddler tooth problems are less serious and less worthy of treatment as the teeth kids have at this point are not permanent. Another myth. 'First tooth problems' can indeed impact the growth and development of permanent teeth and so establishing a good oral health routine right from the start, including dental checkups, is essential, and the one time it is a family issue!

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Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:

It's time to face facts; ‘soft teeth’ ae a myth. They’re just teeth that need better care, and the responsibility for that care begins with you (and your dentist of course.)