Root canal treatment has a reputation problem. Most of it is entirely undeserved - rooted in outdated techniques from decades ago. Let us address the seven most common myths with accurate, evidence-based facts.
Myth 1: Root canals are extremely painful
✅ Fact: Modern root canal treatment, performed under local anaesthetic, should be no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Studies consistently show that patients who have had root canal treatment rate the procedure as significantly less painful than they expected. The pain people associate with root canals comes from the infection before treatment - not the treatment itself.
Myth 2: It is better to just extract the tooth
✅ Fact: Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term outcome. Natural teeth function better than any prosthetic replacement. Tooth loss leads to bone resorption at the extraction site, shifting of adjacent teeth, and bite changes. Root canal treatment followed by a crown can restore a tooth to full function for many years - often decades.
Myth 3: Root canals take many appointments
✅ Fact: Many single-rooted teeth (incisors, canines) can be completed in one appointment of 60 - 90 minutes. Multi-rooted teeth or severe infections may require two visits. Modern rotary instruments and apex locators have significantly reduced treatment time compared to older techniques.
Myth 4: Root canal treatment kills the tooth
✅ Fact: Root canal treatment removes the pulp (nerve and blood supply) from inside the tooth. The tooth structure itself remains. With an appropriate crown protecting it, a root-treated tooth can last for many years - sometimes a lifetime.
Myth 5: Root canal treated teeth always fail eventually
✅ Fact: Success rates for root canal treatment exceed 90% at ten years when the treatment is carried out to a high standard and the tooth is properly restored with a crown. Failure is more common when the permanent crown is delayed or when the original infection was severe.
Myth 6: If the tooth does not hurt, it does not need root canal
✅ Fact: The pulp of a tooth can become infected and even die without causing significant pain - particularly if the infection develops slowly. Routine X-rays can identify infected teeth that show no symptoms. Treating infection before it becomes symptomatic generally leads to better outcomes.
Myth 7: Pregnant women cannot have root canal treatment
✅ Fact: Root canal treatment is safe during pregnancy, particularly during the second trimester. Untreated dental infection during pregnancy carries significantly higher risk than treatment. Local anaesthetics used in dentistry are safe for pregnant patients. Always inform your dentist that you are pregnant so appropriate precautions can be taken.
Root canal treatment at Accord Dental Practice is performed by Dr. Gadde, who holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics from King's College London. Learn more about root canal treatment in Camberley.