Mention the words “root canal treatment” to any unsuspecting patient and it’s usually enough to trigger cold sweats closely followed by a big dose of anxiety. In truth, this procedure is often misunderstood carrying with it a lot of unnecessary fear and misunderstanding. In this article, we want to put that right by debunking some of the biggest myths about root canal therapy and hopefully by the end of this post, you’ll realise that there’s actually nothing to fear. So let’s dive in…
Myth #1: Root Canal Hurts
Let’s start with the biggest myth. For many, the phrase “root canal” conjures images of excruciating pain. But the truth? Root canal treatment is designed to get you out of pain, not cause it.
You see, root canals are recommended when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This is what leads to excruciating toothache, extreme sensitivity, and swelling. The procedure itself is designed to remove this infected tissue, thus eliminating the source of pain.
The good news is that thanks to modern anesthetics and technology, most patients report that a root canal feels no different from having a regular filling. You’re numbed up, comfortable, and free from the throbbing toothache that led you to the dentist in the first place.
Myth #2: A Tooth Is Better Pulled Than To Undergo Root Canal Therapy
Think of it this way, modern dentistry is based around saving teeth so root canal treatment fits right into that ethos. Yet, people wrongly assume that removing a problem tooth is a better, easier, and far cheaper option. However, saving a natural tooth is almost always the best choice.
When a tooth is extracted, you’re left with a gap that needs to be filled by a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. In most cases, these replacement options are more invasive, time-consuming, and expensive than root canal treatment. Plus, nothing beats your real tooth! Retaining your natural teeth helps keep your smile in perfect alignment, prevents jawbone deterioration, and allows you to eat and speak more comfortably.
When you undergo a root canal, you’re not just addressing a painful problem but you’re saving a natural tooth too!
Myth #3: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness
Back at the beginning of the 20th century, it was theorized that root canal treatment could cause the bacterial infection to spread to other areas leading to illness or even chronic diseases like arthritis or heart disease. However, by the 1950s, the American Association of Endodontists discredited this myth and later studies in the early 2000s even suggested that patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45% reduced risk of cancer.
Essentially, root canal therapy is highly effective at removing bacteria from the infected tooth, preventing the further spread of bacteria. Moreover, modern dentistry ensures the use of sterile techniques and biocompatible materials so the tooth remains sealed off from future reinfection.
In short, there is zero scientific evidence to suggest that undergoing a root canal will make you ill.
Myth #4: Root Canal Treatment Doesn't Last Very Long
Many people believe that after a root canal, the tooth is badly weakened and it’s only a matter of time before it fails. Naturally, the diseased pulp is removed and backfilled with a rubberized biocompatible material; and in most cases, the tooth is then protected by a crown. However, with proper care, a tooth treated in this way can last for many years.
Studies show that in nine out of every ten cases, root canal treatments last for at least a decade. Therefore, the key to tooth longevity isn’t ensuring the total workings of the tooth remain intact but rather the focus is on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
When cared for properly, a root canal-treated tooth can remain healthy and functional for decades.
Myth #5: The Only People Needing Root Canals Are Those with Poor Oral Hygiene
While good oral hygiene can certainly lower your risk of needing a root canal, anyone can experience tooth trauma or infection. In many cases, the need for a root canal arises from issues beyond your control, such as deep decay, cracks in the tooth, or previous dental work that has compromised the pulp.
Root canals are not a punishment for poor brushing habits—they are a solution to an existing problem. With prompt treatment, your tooth can often be saved, regardless of how the issue originated.
Now we’ve debunked many of the myths surrounding root canal treatment, let’s take a look at what actually happens during a procedure.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Step 1: Applying Anesthetic
Before anything happens, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area. This should immediately put you at ease and ensure you won’t feel further discomfort during the procedure.
Step 2: Investigation
Once the area is fully numbed, the dentist creates a tiny opening in the top of the tooth (the crown). This gives them access to the infected or damaged canals so they can see the extent of the problem.
Step 3: Pulp Removal
Using special tools, the dentist or endodontist carefully removes the damaged pulp, bacteria, and any debris from the root canals. This step is crucial because it eliminates the source of the infection and discomfort.
Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping
After the pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and reformed to make room for the filling material. This ensures that the tooth is completely free of any remaining bacteria or infected tissue.
Step 5: Sealing the Tooth
Once the canals are clean, the dentist fills them with a rubberized biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This seals off the canal and helps prevent future infections. Finally, the exploratory opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Step 6: Adding a Crown (When Necessary)
In most cases, the dentist may recommend placing a crown over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. A crown further protects the underlying tooth and preserves it for many years to come.
The entire process takes just one to two visits, and most patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two.
Root Canal Treatment: The Real Tooth-Saving Hero
Now that we’ve debunked the myths, it’s clear that root canal treatment should be nothing to fear. Far from being a painful ordeal, it’s a tooth-saving procedure that helps alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and keeps your smile intact.
The next time your dentist recommends a root canal, remember that this procedure is designed to rescue your tooth and restore your comfort. With modern dental technology, root canal treatment is faster, easier, and more effective than ever. So don’t be afraid to embrace this procedure—it just might be the hero your smile needs.
If you have severe tooth pain and think you might need root canal treatment, don’t let false myths put you off. Pay a visit to our caring team at Mint Dental and let us show you just how safe, easy and effective root canal treatment can be.
Having prolonged or worsening tooth pain is a miserable experience and one you really don’t have to put up with. One call to our emergency number is all it takes to get you out of discomfort and back in the land of the living. So don’t delay, get in touch today!
