Fact or fiction: Discover the truth about root canals

Does the phrase "root canal" make you feel uneasy and anxious? Root canal treatments have an unfairly earned bad reputation. Misinformation and misconceptions give a false impression that root canals are painful, dangerous and unnecessary. Root canal myths may cause patients to question the safety of this endodontic procedure and put off necessary treatment.

The truth is that root canal treatments are effective and safe. The longer you postpone treatment, the more you risk the chance to save your teeth. If you're unsure about undergoing a root canal procedure, check out these debunked myths about this necessary endodontic treatment.

Myth: Root canal procedures are painful — FALSE

Fact: Thanks to technological advances and anesthetics, root canals are not painful. In fact, the pain from severe toothaches — stemming from damaged tissues in the tooth — is the real culprit behind the affliction that warrants the need for this treatment. During a root canal treatment, an endodontist can remove the damaged tissues quickly and comfortably.

Myth: If my tooth doesn't hurt, I don't need a root canal — FALSE

Fact: A common sign that you may need a root canal treatment is a persistent, throbbing toothache. However, you may have infected or damaged tooth pulp and experience no pain. An endodontist is trained to test a tooth for damage whether or not you feel pain.

Myth: It's better to extract a tooth — FALSE

Fact: A prevalent misconception about dental work is that removing an affected tooth is the best course of treatment. However, your natural teeth are worth saving. Your teeth are a gateway to nutrition and a signifier of your overall good health.

Endodontists are experts in saving teeth. They receive additional specialized training to diagnose and perform root canal treatments. As a result, endodontic treatment has a high success rate and many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.

Increasingly, dentistry is trending conservative, which means it is favoring treatment approaches that aim to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible while addressing the patient's needs. The focus is on minimal intervention, using techniques that prioritize tooth preservation and long-term function over more invasive procedures.

Myth: Root canals are dangerous and cause systemic diseases — FALSE

Fact: You may have read that root canal treatments are dangerous and increase your risk of becoming ill or contracting a systemic disease in the future. This false claim is based on outdated, poorly designed research. There is no valid scientific evidence linking root canal treatments with disease in other parts of the body.

According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), about 25 million new endodontic treatments, including root canals, are performed each year safely and effectively. Several peer-reviewed research studies over the last century support the safety and efficacy of root canal treatments.

Don't take a wait-and-see approach to your dental health. Now that you know the truth about root canal treatments, you can make informed decisions about your dental health. Visit findmyendodontist.com to find a specialist near you so you can preserve your teeth.