A root canal is necessary when you have a tooth where the root of the tooth is infected. This happens when you have a cavity that goes down deep and starts to infect the root of your tooth. That infection can then carry into your gum and can be harmful if the infection is not taken care of right away.

Root canal treatments are one of the older dental treatments and have been around for centuries. Root canal treatments are much more refined and precise then they were even twenty years ago. Many people have misconceptions about how the root canal treatment process works. Here, you can learn more about root canal treatments and whether they're right for you. 

Misconception #1: The Process Is Painful

One of the biggest misconceptions that hold people back from getting a root canal is the idea that the process is painful. When you go in for a root canal, the area that they are going to be working on will be numbed down using a local aesthetic. The dentist may also give you something like laughing gas to help you relax as well during the procedure. You are not going to feel pain when you go through the procedure

After the procedure, you will be given some over-the-counter pain medication to use. You should also ice the area. You may have a little minor pain and discomfort for a few days, but the pain should be manageable, and the pain is not going to last for a long time.

Misconception #2: It's Better to Pull the Tooth

Many people also believe that it is better to just pull a tooth if it is infected instead of going through with a root canal. Oftentimes, this belief is also tied to the above belief that a root canal results in long-term pain. If you can, it is always better to preserve your natural tooth. With a natural tooth, you will get to help your jaw maintain its strength. With a natural tooth, your teeth will not shift, and you will maintain the same jaw and chewing strength. Although there are great dental implants that you can get, nothing can replace a natural, healthy tooth. 

Misconception #3:  Treatment Is Drawn Out

A final misconception that people have is that treatment is drawn out. That is not true. Your regular dentist is going to have to take x-rays to diagnose the issue. Then, you are going to need to find an oral surgeon to perform the procedure. Generally, it only takes one or two visits for your root canal treatment to be complete, and then you will follow up with your regular dentist just like normal. It is not a long, drawn-out process, and if you find a surgeon, the process can go quickly.

If you need a root canal, don't want it to get one. If you have any thoughts about getting a root canal or misgivings, talk to your dentist so you can gain a deeper understanding of this dental treatment.