Six Myths About Root Canals

Despite the numerous advances in dental techniques, technologies, materials, and medications, many people remain afraid of even a routine dental visit, and few procedures have the fear-inducing reputation of the root canal.

A root canal is the treatment necessary to save a tooth when the nerve(pulp) in the tooth gets infected.  There is plenty of data that documents its effectiveness in relieving pain and helping to clear up infection. But overcoming a bad reputation is never easy, and the dreaded root canal still has some way to go before it is no longer seen as something to be feared by the general population. Here are 6 myths people continue to believe about root canals and explanations to convince them otherwise.

Myth 1. They’re painful

Dental phobias are often rooted in the perceived pain and discomfort during and after treatment. Root canals are often a way to relieve pain, and although there may be some soreness after the procedure, the reputation of the painful root canal predates the widespread use of anesthetics as well as newer, less invasive clinical techniques. Today, most post–root canal pain can be handled with OTC options, which should help put most people at ease.  Typically, most of the pain is from the infection and toothache associated with it.  Root canal therapy relieves the pain from the tooth.

Myth 2. They take forever

With the misconception that root canals are extremely painful, the fact that they are a relatively efficient procedure with often minimal follow-up treatment is not widely understood. Although every tooth’s root system is different, and root canal procedures take different amounts of time depending on the complexity of the clinical and anatomical situation, the treatment usually requires just 1 or 2 appointments along with postoperative monitoring.

Myth 3. They’re too expensive

Cost of care is one of the most common concerns among patients in the United States, and it is also the case when it comes to root canals. Many patients put off or avoid necessary treatments due to the cost of the procedure. But most dental insurance covers at least part of the cost, and offering payment plans and financing options can help make the treatment more affordable. It’s also important to make sure the patient understands that the cost of pulling the tooth and replacing it with an implant, bridge, or partial denture is often much greater than the cost of the root canal.

Myth 4. The treatment doesn’t last

Sometimes patients seek to avoid root canals based on the belief that the restored tooth is going to die and fall out soon anyway. Of course this is not the case. With proper oral care following the root canal, patients can maintain the restored tooth for many years. According to findings from 1 study, root canals performed by dental students showed an 85% survival rate after 10 years.

Myth 5. It’s better to pull the tooth because it’s dead anyway

Today’s patients have access to more information than ever before, but that doesn’t mean they always turn to reliable sources. A root canal does involve removing the infected pulp inside a tooth and replacing it with a filler material, but the restored tooth is still a vital part of the oral environment. As long as the gums remain healthy, the restored tooth should look and function just like a tooth with vital pulp for many years after the procedure.

Myth 6. Root canals cause systemic diseases

This is likely the most dangerous of the root canal myths that continue to spread. Although there is plenty of research connecting oral health—most commonly, periodontal health—with systemic conditions including heart disease and diabetes, evidence does not support a link to root canals. This myth dates back to the research of Weston A. Price, DDS, a dentist in the early 20th century who believed that leaving the “dead” tooth in the mouth after a root canal led to further health problems. But a root canal actually removes the diseased or dead tissue from inside the tooth, and Dr. Price’s theories have been repeatedly disproved, including in a 1951 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association dedicated to research on this topic.

Root canals are safe and effective treatments.  Although patients should always be encouraged to ask questions, dispelling concerns about the procedure is fairly straightforward.  If you have a toothache, a root canal may be the way to save your tooth and be a lot easier and less painful than previously believed.

Book an appointment with Dr. Aebli, a top Sanford dentist, to discuss today.

Ref. Dental Products Report August 2021, Volume 55, Issue 8

Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been successfully saving teeth with root canal therapy for over 30 years.  Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave., Sanford, FL 32771, 407-323-5340, www.oakportdental.com

Sore or Bleeding Gums

 Sore or Bleeding Gums? Do I Have Gum Disease?

Do you have sore or bleeding gums? It may be the early signs of periodontal disease. It can include receding gums and the formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth. Once the infection gets beneath your gum line, periodontitis can destroy tissues, ligaments, and bones in the mouth that ultimately can lead to tooth loss. 

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis refers to advanced periodontal disease. With periodontitis, the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets where additional bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Signs of periodontitis include: Pain when chewing, Poor tooth alignment, Receding gums, Pockets between the teeth and gums, Persistent bad breath, Sores on the inside of the mouth, and Loose or sensitive teeth

It usually starts with bleeding gums

Bacteria along the gum-line form colonies that grow deep between the teeth and gum tissues. This space is called the periodontal pocket. These pockets can quickly become breeding grounds for the bacteria that cause infection and inflammation. The earliest symptoms of infection are bleeding gums. Tenderness, swollen or red gums are also common. If these infections are left untreated, they can become chronic oral wounds that cause inflammation not just in your mouth, but in your body.

It can spread and lead to additional damage.

If not addressed properly, bacteria can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, leading to more dangerous consequences. Pathogens identified in gum disease have been linked to heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and other systemic conditions.

It’s more common than you think.

Over half of Americans have chronic gum disease. Chronic means the infection has progressed beyond gingivitis and bone loss is evident. At this point it cannot be cured. It can, however, be treated. Your dentist keeps updated records documenting the depths of your periodontal pockets. A healthy depth is 1-3mm. Any number above 4mm is potentially problematic. It's always best to treat gum disease in the earliest stages. 

There is an effective way to treat it.

Historically, patients have gotten deep cleanings or surgical interventions to fight this disease. They return to the dentist every 3 months for additional care for the rest of their life. This protocol has limited success. Often the deep cleanings need to be repeated every 3 years. 

An additional treatment regimen is available to help fight the spread of gum disease. It involves using a special peroxide gel applied directly to the gum pocket areas.  A treatment called Perio Protect can offer the an effective homecare strategy for assisting in long-term treatment success.

Perio Protect was developed to give you better results between office visits so you can avoid repetitive cleanings and, when possible, avoid surgery too. The patented Perio Tray™ Therapy from Perio Protect delivers bacteria-fighting peroxide deep under the gums. Not only does the delivery of peroxide fight infection, it also releases oxygen so that healthy bacteria can thrive.  Daily applications wearing custom fitted trays for 10-15 minutes have been shown to maintain healthy gums.   This in addition to your daily brushing and flossing routine can provide a significant adjunct therapy to help you with preventing the spread of gum disease.

Not only will your teeth and gums be healthier, but every system in your body will benefit from less inflammation.

Book an appointment with Dr. Aebli, a top Sanford dentist, to discuss this today.

Reference: www.perioprotect.com

Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD, has been treating gum disease for more than thirty years. 

Oakport Dental, Sanford, FL, 407-323-5340, www.oakportdental.com