The Truth Behind Root Canals Quincy, WA
Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures. A root canal treatment is when the dentist removes inflamed or infected pulp from the tooth center, cleans and disinfects the remaining space, and then fills and seals it. This procedure eliminates bacteria from the affected area, prevents reinfection, and preserves your natural tooth.
Root canals are available at Desert Sun Dental and the surrounding area. Chances are you have heard a lot of misconceptions about the procedure. Our staff can provide the truth behind root canals—call 509-785-6491 to schedule a consultation.
When a Root Canal Is Needed
Root canals are a fairly straightforward procedure that repair and protect badly decayed or infected teeth. The pulp of the tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, can become irritated and infected for many reasons. These include deep decay, repeated dental procedures, large fillings, a chip or crack, or facial trauma.
Some of the symptoms that indicate a need for a root canal include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids
- Severe discomfort while chewing or biting
- Small, pimple-like irritations on the gums
- Swollen or tender gums
Patients who are experiencing any of these symptoms will want to make an appointment to see our dentist. The more time goes by, the more likely the tissue surrounding the tooth will get infected — increasing the chances that the tooth may have to get extracted. However, there is no need to worry. Getting a root canal is no worse than getting a filling and is effective.
“Root canals are a fairly straightforward procedure that repair and protect badly decayed or infected teeth.”
A Safe and Common Procedure
Root canals happen more often than you think. According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million of them were performed from 2005 to 2006. That breaks down to 41,000 procedures performed in the United States every day. Root canals eliminate bacteria from the tooth and ultimately save it from needing to be removed.
Often, the procedure allows patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. Despite the frequent misconceptions, root canals are low-risk and can be compared to a routine cavity filling. Thanks to advancements in dental techniques and technologies, root canals yield successful outcomes with fewer complications.
“Root canals are more common than you think.”
Common Myths About Root Canals
Unfortunately, there are many common myths about root canals that stop patients from seeing the endodontist. The main three misconceptions are:
- It is painful to get a root canal.
- Getting a root canal will cause illness.
- Tooth extraction is better than root canal treatment.
While root canal treatment may have been painful in the past, modern technology and anesthetics have made the experience no more discomforting than getting a cavity filled. Root canal treatments also reverse toothaches by removing the source of infection or inflammation. Plus, endodontists are experts in pain management.
Furthermore, the claim that links root canal treatment to illness is based on an outdated and poorly designed research study that has long since been debunked. While some may claim that root canal treatment may make patients more likely to become ill or contract certain diseases in the future, there is no valid, scientific evidence supporting this theory.
Finally, it is always best to save a natural tooth whenever possible. In most cases, this is safer, less painful, and more economical than a tooth extraction. Preserving a natural tooth lessens the risk of further infections, and, as mentioned, root canal treatments are typically not as painful as people believe. Many people also mistakenly believe that tooth extraction is the cheaper option. However, this is often untrue when considering the whole picture.
“While root canal treatment may have been painful in the past, modern technology and anesthetics have made the experience no more discomforting than getting a cavity filled.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: The Truth Behind Root Canals in Quincy, WA
Rare Complications
While rare, some complications may present themselves after a root canal procedure. If the pain goes away but then returns, patients will want to schedule an exam. A new infection can take hold if a canal got missed in the roots, a crack in the tooth root went undetected, or sealing material broke down over time. Other complications include teeth breaking if a crown was not placed in a timely fashion, root fracture from decay, or numbness from the material used to fill the root canal leaking into other areas of the tooth.
Sometimes, another root canal can fix the problem or need a root-end resection procedure. Always remember to follow all of the post-procedure instructions provided by our dentist to heal quickly. Patients who start experiencing any complications should call our office to schedule an appointment.
“While they are rare, there can be some complications after a root canal procedure.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the pros and cons of root canals?
Q. When is a root canal needed?
Q. Are root canals a safe and common procedure?
Q. Are there rare complications associated with root canals?
People Also Ask
Q. What is an alternative to root canal treatment?
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. Why would a tooth need to be extracted?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Pros and Cons of Root Canals
Many of the advantages of undergoing root canal treatment are apparent. These include pain relief, stopping the spread of infection, curing dental decay, and preventing further damage to the tooth pulp. By preserving the tooth, root canal treatments prevent unnecessary tooth extraction and balance the patient's bite. They also protect the surrounding teeth from infection and strain. When properly cared for, root canal treatment results can last for a lifetime.
However, there are some possible disadvantages as well. Still, these are typically necessary trade-offs. For example, the treated tooth may not be as strong after the procedure. The doctor can address this by capping the tooth with a crown for added protection. Patients may also be at risk for discomfort, toothache, or reinfection. The doctor may also miss any hidden roots or canals, necessitating retreatment in the future. Choosing the right endodontist and following all the doctor's instructions can help minimize the chances of any complications.
“When properly cared for, root canal treatment results can last for a lifetime.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When would I need a root canal?
A. Root canals can be necessary when an infection in your tooth reaches the tooth's nerves and causes extensive decay. A bad crack or broken tooth can also require a root canal. Signs you may need a root canal include extreme tooth discomfort while chewing and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids.
Q. Are root canals painful?
A. Several myths surround root canals, and pain is one of them. A root canal is no more painful than having a cavity filled. Our dentist will help you manage any pain during and after the procedure.
Q. Can I have another procedure other than a root canal?
A. When it comes to saving your natural tooth from infection or decay, a root canal is the preferred option. The only other viable alternative is tooth extraction. Dentists recommend attempting to save your natural tooth before choosing extraction.
Q. What can I do to avoid root canals in the future?
A. To avoid root canals in the future, practice good oral hygiene along with scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings. Also, limit sugary foods to help protect your teeth from decay. If you play contact sports, wear a custom-made mouthguard to avoid the risk of teeth injury.
Scan here to view this page, The Truth Behind Root Canals, on mobile
Endodontic Terminology
Learn More Today
Root canal treatments can make the difference between preserving or losing your teeth. We at Desert Sun Dental can help. Call us today at 509-785-6491 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Desert Sun Dental was established in 2006.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Grant County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Quincy, Ephrata, Soap Lake, Moses Lake, and Moses Lake North
- National Provider Identifier Database (1750419107). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Desert Sun Dental on mobile
Back to top of The Truth Behind Root Canals
Related Posts
A Guide To Caring For Invisalign Trays
Invisalign® is a teeth straightening treatment that uses a series of clear aligner trays. While Invisalign can complete the straightening process faster than other options, proper maintenance of these trays is essential to an effective, comfortable treatment. The good news is that proper maintenance is easy for patients to complete regularly.While the dental provider will…
Reasons For Preventative Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is common among teens and people in their early 20s. If you are around this age or have a child in this period of life, it is time to consider this procedure. Your dentist can evaluate you or your son or daughter to determine the appropriate next steps. These third molars often…
Invisalign®: A Discreet Way To Straighter Teeth
Invisalign® clear aligners offer a way to straighten teeth without braces. Not everyone is comfortable wearing obvious brackets and wires, so clear aligners present a more flexible and discreet alternative. Explore this and the other benefits of Invisalign clear aligners and determine if you are a candidate.Treatment with clear aligners involves wearing a series of…
Oral Hygiene Tips For Correctly Positioned Wisdom Teeth
It is common to remove wisdom teeth for cosmetic and health reasons. A dentist has the knowledge and training to perform this procedure and determine whether you are a good candidate. These teeth usually come in by the time you reach your early 20s. Usually, you will have four of these teeth — two on…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Desert Sun Dental on mobile