MYTHS ABOUT ROOT CANALS AND ROOT CANAL PAIN
There are many misconceptions surrounding root canal (endodontic) treatment and whether patients experience root canal pain. The American Association of Endodontists wants you to have accurate information. As always, when considering any medical procedure, you should get as much information as you can about all of your options. Your dentist or endodontist can answer many of your questions, and if you still have concerns, it is often wise to seek a second opinion. Myth #1—Root canal treatment is painful. Myth #2—Root canal treatment causes illness. Myth #3—A good alternative to root canal treatment is extraction (pulling the tooth). MYTH #1—ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IS PAINFUL. Truth—Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it. The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, a recent survey showed that patients ...