Aspen Dental: Root Canal Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

The mere mention of a root canal is enough to make some people cringe. Thanks to some constantly circulating rumors and horror stories, root canal treatment is a last resort for many patients. But the reality of a root canal is that it’s nothing to fear, and advances in dental technology have made it so a root canal procedure isn’t any worse than an average dental filling. Here are the five most common misconceptions about root canal treatment and the truth behind the myth to set the record straight.

Root canals are painful.

Thanks to modern pain management and technologically advanced root canal procedures, excruciating pain no longer has a place in root canal treatment. Some patients may find the pain of an infected tooth is far worse than the pain during and following the procedure. If an individual is especially sensitive to pain, they should talk to their dentist or endodontist about concerns before the procedure. They may be able to recommend additional pain treatments to ensure comfort.

A patient only needs a root canal if they’re experiencing a toothache.

While many patients who need a root canal reach out to their dentist thanks to a toothache, not all root canals begin with patient-reported pain. Some instances, like if a tooth suddenly becomes loose, need to be addressed with a root canal even though no toothache was involved. If an individual experiences a sudden change with any of their teeth, they should consult the dentist right away.

A root canal requires many dental appointments.

Wondering how long a root canal takes? A typical root canal treatment takes between 30 and 90 minutes and only two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist will determine whether root canal treatment is necessary, diagnose the severity of tooth infection, and walk the patient through the procedure. The second visit is the treatment, in which the dentist or endodontist removes infected pulp from the tooth. If an infection is particularly severe or complications arise, a third appointment may be necessary in unique circumstances.

It’s better to pull a tooth than get a root canal.

While some people may believe just removing a tooth, roots and all, is better than getting a root canal, it’s likely better for one’s oral health to save the original tooth. Extracting a tooth without a clear plan to fill the gap, via a dental implant or otherwise, could cause teeth to move to fill the space, creating gaps and other issues.

A root canal removes the roots of one’s teeth.

While the name of the procedure can create confusion, the root canal procedure cleans inside the tooth’s root canals; it doesn’t remove them. What is removed in a root canal are areas of infected pulp and nerve tissue to ensure bacteria is cleared out entirely. The roots will remain firmly intact to ensure the longevity of the tooth.

The bottom line

Root canal treatments save millions of teeth every year, and the procedure keeps getting more efficient, effective, and pain-free. If one is on the fence about having a root canal due to pervasive myths, it’s important to bring them up with a dental professional so they can set the story straight. Often, these myths aren’t real, and learning the truth can make patients feel comfortable with the procedure.

Contact Information:
Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager