Of all the procedures in dentistry, the humble root canal has the biggest reputation problem. Even mentioning them in good company will make someone wince. But does this restorative treatment deserve the hate? Not exactly. Much of the fear surrounding them comes from outdated information and pop culture—not reality. If your dentist has recommended a root canal, here are four myths you shouldn’t give a second thought.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
This is the big one, and it’s simply not accurate anymore. Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report that the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. The pain most people associate with root canals today is actually the infection’s doing. Root canals don’t add to your discomfort—they relieve pain by removing the source.
Myth #2: It’s Better to Just Extract the Tooth
Extraction might seem like a cheaper, easier option, but saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable. When a tooth goes missing, it can lead to shifting, bone loss, and bite problems over time. A root canal keeps your natural tooth in place, so it can continue serving you well for decades to come.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illness
Every once in a while, this claim comes up again, circulating in online forums and social media groups. However, it’s based on bad science, usually traced back to a debunked study from the early 1900s. Modern research has found no credible link between root canal treatment and systemic illness. In fact, removing a dental infection through a root canal can actually support your overall health rather than harming it.
Myth #4: Root Canals Require Multiple Long Appointments
While it’s true that complexity can vary depending on which tooth is involved and the extent of the infection, most procedures are fairly fast. In fact, many root canals are completed in a single visit. What many patients confuse with a long, drawn-out process is actually just standard practice for lab-made dental crowns. If your tooth needs to be protected after the procedure, your customized crown can take a couple of weeks to craft and ship.
Whether you’re on your dentist’s schedule for a root canal or just dreading it, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. The procedure is routine, effective, and far more comfortable than its reputation suggests. Still have questions? Let your dentist know. They’ll be happy to ease your mind so you can find relief.
About the Practice
At Roswell Modern Dentistry, Dr. Kakadia and Dr. Kataria provide comfortable, effective root canal treatment to help patients in Roswell, GA save their natural teeth and get out of pain. If you’re experiencing a distracting toothache that’s putting your life on hold, give us a call at (770) 525-9140. We’ll be waiting to care for your smile.
