5 Common Myths About Root Canal Therapy, Debunked

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t panic. Don't let myths about root canals stop you from saving your tooth.

Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, of Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona, recognize that root canals have a reputation for being painful and complicated. 

But that’s inaccurate. Modern root canal therapy is a comfortable and effective way to save a natural tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. 

Here, we debunk five common myths about root canal therapy.

Myth 1: Root canals are painful

In truth, the pain you feel is from the infected tooth, not the procedure itself. We perform a root canal to relieve that pain. With modern anesthetics and techniques, a root canal is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

Our team at Goodman Dental Center is experienced in pain management and ensures you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

Myth 2: It’s better to pull the tooth

Saving natural teeth is always the best option. Nothing can truly replace the look and function of a natural tooth. A root canal allows you to keep your tooth and avoid the need for more extensive and costly restorative work, such as bridges or implants. 

Endodontic treatment has a high success rate, and with proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Myth 3: Root canals cause illness

You may have seen information online linking root canals to other illnesses. That’s based on research, long debunked, dating back nearly a century. There’s no valid scientific evidence to support this claim. 

A root canal removes bacteria from an infected tooth, helping to improve your overall health.

Myth 4: If a tooth doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t need a root canal

A severe toothache is a common sign of an infected tooth, but not all teeth that require a root canal cause pain. Sometimes, the tooth’s pulp can be damaged or infected without noticeable symptoms.

That's why regular dental checkups are crucial. We can identify a problem before it becomes painful and save the tooth with a root canal.

Myth 5: A root canal removes the roots of the tooth

A root canal doesn’t remove the roots of your tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth’s crown and roots. The roots themselves remain in place, continuing to anchor your tooth to your jawbone. 

After removing the pulp, we clean, disinfect, and seal the inside of the tooth to prevent infection.

At Goodman Dental Center, we’re dedicated to delivering the highest-quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. If you have any questions about root canal therapy or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our office by phone or online today.