Root Canal Treatment: An Overlooked Procedure

We often notice that root canal treatment is feared by many of our patients, even though they may know very little about it. This fear is mostly due to the myths and misconceptions surrounding the procedure. That is why we prepared this article to explain the situations in which a root canal may be necessary and to debunk the most common myths.

When is a Root Canal Needed?

A root canal is often considered a last resort to save a tooth whose dental pulp is infected. The pulp is the central part of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located. When infected, it can cause significant pain that may interfere with daytime activities and disturb sleep at night.

In the case of pulp infection, the root canal procedure aims to remove the infected tissues found in the pulp chamber and inside the root canals. These narrow spaces run through the roots of the teeth. Removing the infected tissue allows the infection to be eliminated so that the canals can then be cleaned. Finally, the canals are filled with a medical rubber material, and the tooth is sealed with a filling. In many cases, a dental crown must be placed to strengthen the tooth.

Here are the most frequent causes of pulp infection:

• A deep cavity: the bacteria responsible for cavities destroy each layer of the affected tooth. Without treatment, they can reach the pulp and cause infection.
• A cracked or fractured tooth: after an injury, a tooth can develop a crack or fracture. Both situations create an entry point for bacteria into the center of the damaged tooth, allowing them to reach the pulp.
• A damaged filling: a filling used to repair a cavity is generally durable, but it does have a limited lifespan. When it becomes damaged, bacteria can enter the tooth.

Three Myths to Debunk

Now that you understand the main situations where a root canal may be necessary, here are three persistent myths about the procedure:

“It is a very painful procedure”

Many patients fear severe pain during a root canal. However, the purpose of the treatment is actually to remove the infection that causes pain and discomfort. The procedure is always performed under local anesthesia, which means the treated tooth is numbed to block sensations. Modern dental techniques ensure that a root canal is no more painful than getting a filling on a decayed tooth.

“A root canal is a complex procedure”

A root canal involves a few steps that require precise planning. However, the treatment can often be completed in a single appointment. Our dentists on Plateau Mont-Royal are fully equipped to perform root canal treatments at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Quebec. They rely on advanced technologies to support their expertise.

“I would rather lose my tooth than undergo a root canal”

Modern dentistry prioritizes preserving natural teeth and their structure whenever possible. When your dentist recommends a root canal, the goal is to save the infected tooth and allow it to keep its place in your smile. The tooth can then continue to fulfill its functions, especially chewing. Losing a tooth in adulthood comes with several consequences, and a missing tooth must always be replaced to prevent issues such as the shifting of surrounding teeth. For this reason, it is always preferable to undergo a root canal. Otherwise, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced.

We hope this article has helped you better understand root canal treatment. As you can see, there is no need to fear this procedure, whose purpose is to help you keep your natural teeth.