HUNTINGTON -- Root canal awareness week is March 29 through April 4, and Valley Endodontic Associates want to dispel myths about root canals.

Root canals' reputation took hold several decades ago, when root canal treatment was painful, staff said. The reputation today seems to remain unchanged even though the procedure has changed.

A survey by the American Association of Endodontists showed that patients who've had a root canal performed by an endodontist are six times more likely to describe it as "painless" than people who have not had root canal treatment.

"Endodontists are extensively trained to diagnose and treat oral pain, and we have expertise in performing dental procedures in a way that eases patients' fears and helps them avoid pain before, during and after a procedure," said Dr. Sandra Madison, former president of the American Association of Endodontists, in a press release.

A root canal saves a tooth by removing the soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels that have been damaged. The endodontist cleans, fills and seals the canals, and the tooth is restored.

Staff at Valley Endodontic Associates said other myths also exist, like the notion by some that root canals can cause illness. This claim is based on research performed in the early 1900s and has since been dismissed. Today's researchers believe that the early findings may have been caused by poor sanitation and imprecise research techniques. Recent studies indicate that teeth receiving proper endodontic treatment do not cause illness.

A third myth is that a good alternative to root canal treatment is pulling the tooth, but local endodontists say saving the natural teeth is the best option. Not only will a root canal save your ability to enjoy food, but it will save you money. Endodontic treatment, followed by the appropriate restoration is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or implant, staff said.

Root canals also have a very high success rate, with many teeth lasting a lifetime. Placement of a bridge or an implant generally requires significantly more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissue.

Valley Endodontic Associates is located in Huntington, Charleston and Teays Valley.

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