Root Canal Myths vs Reality: What You Actually Need to Know

If you’ve ever been told you need a root canal and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. For many people, the words “root canal” immediately bring to mind horror stories of pain, long appointments, and weeks of discomfort. Most of those fears come from things people heard years ago, not from how dentistry actually works today.

The reality is a lot less dramatic than the myths suggest. Let’s clear a few of them up.

Myth: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful

This is probably the most common concern, and it’s largely based on outdated experiences. Decades ago, dental techniques and anaesthetics weren’t what they are now, and that reputation has stuck around far longer than it should have.

Today, a root canal is usually comparable to having a large filling placed. Local anaesthetic is used to keep the area numb, and most people are surprised by how manageable the experience feels. In fact, many patients say the procedure itself is far more comfortable than the toothache that led them there in the first place.

Myth: It’s better to Just Pull the Tooth

On the surface, extraction can seem like the quicker or simpler option. But removing a tooth often creates new issues down the track.

Nearby teeth can shift, your bite can change, and chewing may feel different. Replacing a missing tooth later can also involve additional treatment.

Saving your natural tooth where possible is usually preferred. A tooth that’s been treated with a root canal can continue to function as part of your natural bite, which is something artificial replacements can’t fully replicate.

Myth: Root Canals Cause Other Illnesses

This myth tends to resurface from time to time, often linked to old studies that have since been discredited. Current research does not support a connection between properly performed root canal treatment and general illness.

What is well understood is that leaving an infected tooth untreated can allow bacteria to spread, potentially leading to more serious problems, both in the mouth and beyond.

So, When Is a Root Canal Needed?

Sometimes the signs are obvious: lingering pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, or discomfort when biting. Other times, there may be very few symptoms at all. That’s why regular dental check-ups matter. They can pick up issues before they become painful.

If you’ve been delaying treatment because of things you’ve heard, it may help to talk through your concerns rather than assume the worst. Modern root canal treatment is very different from its reputation, and understanding what’s involved often makes the decision feel far less daunting. When you understand what’s really involved, a root canal often feels less like something to fear and more like a practical step toward relief.