Root canal treatment (RCT) is perhaps the most misunderstood procedure in dentistry; many people instantly picture excruciating pain. Let's separate fiction from reality.
Common myths vs. real facts
Myth 1: Root canals are extremely painful.
Fact: Thanks to modern local anesthesia and advanced rotary instruments, getting a root canal today is no more painful than getting a standard filling. The procedure actually relieves the severe pain caused by an infected tooth.
Myth 2: Root canals cause illness.
Fact: This myth stems from poorly designed, outdated research from nearly a century ago. RCT is safe and saves your natural teeth.
Myth 3: Extraction is better than a root canal.
Fact: Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. Nothing looks, feels, or functions quite like your natural bite. Implants or bridges require extra procedures, whereas an RCT preserves your jawbone structure.
Bottom line: If your dentist recommends a root canal, don't panic. It is a tooth-saving procedure designed to bring you comfort, not pain.
This article is for general information and does not replace a clinical examination. If you have pain, swelling or bleeding, book an appointment so we can look at the tooth.