The phrase “root canal” can make even the calmest person feel a little anxious. For years, this tooth-saving procedure has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions that paint it as a painful, complicated ordeal. At St. Mary’s Dental, Dr. Gina McCray and Dr. Kara McCray Demer want to set the record straight. The truth is, modern root canal therapy in Mechanicsville is a comfortable and highly effective way to relieve pain and save your natural tooth.
Serving our neighbors in Leonardtown and Charlotte Hall, we believe that understanding the facts is the first step toward better oral health. Let’s debunk some of the most persistent myths about root canals.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
This is perhaps the most widespread and damaging myth. Decades ago, before modern anesthetics and advanced techniques, the procedure may have been uncomfortable. Today, the reality is completely different. A root canal is not the cause of pain; it’s the solution. The severe toothache you experience is caused by an infection deep within the tooth’s pulp.
Root canal therapy is performed using local anesthesia to completely numb the area, ensuring you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients report that the experience is comparable to getting a routine filling. The primary sensation you will feel afterward is relief from the intense pain that brought you to the dentist in the first place.
Myth #2: It’s Better to Just Pull the Tooth
Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. While pulling a tooth might seem like a simpler fix, it can lead to a cascade of other dental problems. The surrounding teeth may shift, affecting your bite and causing jaw pain. A missing tooth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw over time.
Replacing a lost tooth with a bridge, implant, or partial denture requires more extensive and costly treatment than simply saving it with a root canal. A root canal allows you to keep your natural smile, maintain proper chewing function, and prevent future complications.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illness
You may have come across misinformation online linking root canals to illness in the body. This myth is based on poorly designed research from a century ago that has been thoroughly discredited. Major organizations, including the American Association of Endodontists, have confirmed there is no valid scientific evidence linking root canals to diseases elsewhere in the body.
In fact, the opposite is true. Leaving an infected tooth untreated allows bacteria to spread, potentially leading to a serious abscess, jawbone infection, or even systemic health issues. A root canal removes the infection at its source, protecting both your oral and overall health.
Trust the Experts at St. Mary’s Dental
A root canal is a vital procedure designed to eliminate infection, stop pain, and preserve your smile. Dr. Gina McCray and Dr. Kara McCray Demer have the expertise and technology to provide safe, comfortable, and effective root canal therapy.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, don’t let outdated myths stop you from getting the care you need. Contact St. Mary’s Dental today to schedule your consultation. We are proud to serve Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, and Charlotte Hall with compassionate, state-of-the-art dental care.
Contact St. Mary’s Dental:
301-884-3248
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
28169 Old Village Rd
Mechanicsville, Maryland
20659
