Myths About Dentistry That You Should Not Believe!

Gentle Family Dentistry in Bellevue WA Area

You have just been informed that you need a root canal, and the fear and anxiety immediately kick in. You have heard so many horror stories regarding root canals, and you wonder if pulling the tooth may be the better option. The first thing you should know is that extraction should never be considered unless it’s a last resort. Second, you should realize that root canals are no more painful than getting a routine filling. Thanks to gentle treatment techniques performed for your family by Dr. Tokiko Poppe and the team at Cosmos Dentistry, there is nothing to fear about root canals or (really) any other dental treatment.

Here are some commonly heard myths that are nothing more than a myth.

It Is Better to Extract the Tooth

You may have heard that root canals are so painful, so you may as well have the tooth extracted. This could not be further from the truth. Not only will your long-term oral health be negatively affected, but so will your wallet if you choose a tooth replacement option. Extraction should never be considered unless it is the last resort. It could lead to jawbone loss and shifting teeth. So, preserve your tooth with a root canal.

Root Canals Are Incredibly Painful

The most common myth dentists hear is how patients fear root canals because of how painful they are. There was a time, many years ago when a root canal was not the most comfortable dental procedure available. With current treatment techniques and anesthetic options, a root canal is nothing to be feared. In fact, it is no more painful than getting a simple filling. You will be completely numbed during the procedure, resulting in a comfortable experience. Your dentist will also ensure they are gentle and keep your oral health in mind throughout the treatment.

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New Patients: (425) 448-4770 | Existing Patients: (425) 458-4940
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Thanks to the constant advancement in dental techniques and technologies, a trip to the dentist has never been more gentle or comfortable. Some dental procedures were indeed more painful in the past. With current treatments, many of these same procedures are now pain-free. This includes root canals!

We look forward to seeing you! To schedule an appointment, please call (425) 448-4770.

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Dr. Tokiko Poppe

Dr. Tokiko Poppe graduated from the University of the Pacific's Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She has received extensive training in all aspects of dentistry and was involved in craniofacial research and studies on cleft lip and palate in school.

Dr. Poppe also completed a General Practice Residency in California, where she cared for medically-compromised adults at Veterans Hospital and children under general anesthesia at the University Medical Center. She is a member of the ADA, AAGO, AAPMD, WSDA, SKCD, AGD, American Laser Study, TBI Ambassadors, and AMR advanced program. She has completed Spear Education which dentists pursue to learn complex restorative dentistry. Dr. Poppe is also an osteopathic-trained dentist, having learned the whole-body approach from osteopathic physicians. She follows continuing education to stay abreast of the latest dental trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her community.

She also holds a Japanese dental license and speaks Japanese and English.