Root Canal Myths: What Patients Should Know

Root canals have a reputation for being painful and dangerous, but the truth is, they are safe, effective, and designed to relieve pain — not cause it. With today’s technology and anesthesia, root canal treatment is a predictable way to save your natural tooth and restore comfort.

Myth 1: Root Canals Are Painful

Fact: The pain comes from the infection, not the procedure. A root canal actually takes the pressure off your tooth and brings relief. 

With modern numbing medicine, you will not feel sharp pain during treatment, most patients just notice some pressure or movement. Afterward, the tooth may feel a little tender for a day or two, but this usually improves quickly with over-the-counter medication.  

The exception to this is if you have a “hot” tooth, meaning the nerve tissue is extremely hypersensitive and inflamed, and needs to be numbed directly with anesthetic into the tooth.  Once the anesthetic is injected into the tooth, the pain goes away.  

Takeaway: Infection inside a tooth creates pressure, which is what causes pain. A root canal removes the infection and allows the tooth to heal, which is why most patients feel better right away. If the tooth has abscessed, then there can be infection and pain in the bone and the soft tissue, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Illness

Fact: This old belief came from research done over 100 years ago that has long since been disproven. A modern root canal is a safe, routine procedure that disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals it to prevent future infection.

With today’s technology and materials, root canal treatment is one of the most reliable ways to protect both your oral health and overall health.

Takeaway: Untreated infection is what can spread and harm your health. A root canal removes the source of infection and keeps bacteria from traveling elsewhere in the body.

Myth 3: It’s Better to Pull the Tooth

Fact: Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option. Teeth work together to keep your bite balanced, your jawbone strong, and your smile complete. Pulling a tooth often means you will need additional treatment, like a bridge or bone grafting and a dental implant, to replace it. With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal, build-up and crown can last for many years.

Takeaway: A root canal saves your natural tooth, helps maintain chewing strength, and protects your smile without the extra steps and costs of replacing a missing tooth.  Furthermore, the best implant is almost always a natural tooth!

Myth 4: Only Severe Pain Means You Need a Root Canal

Fact: Some teeth need treatment even when the pain is mild or occasional. In fact, you may notice other signs first, such as sensitivity that lingers, swelling in the gums, or a darkening of the tooth after an injury.

Dentists use X-rays and special tests to confirm whether the nerve inside a tooth is infected or damaged.

Takeaway: Do not wait for extreme pain. Subtle symptoms can also signal a problem, and early treatment can prevent the infection from getting worse.

How to Know If You Need a Root Canal Treatment

While every case is unique, there are several common warning signs to look out for:

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold: If discomfort continues for more than a few seconds after the source is removed, the pulp may be irritated and inflamed.
• Spontaneous toothache: Throbbing pain that starts on its own or even wakes you at night can signal nerve damage, or a dead (necrotic) nerve.
• Pain when biting or releasing pressure: This may indicate inflammation around the root or a small crack in the tooth.
• A pimple on the gums: This can be a drainage point from an underlying abscess.
• Swelling or a bad taste in the mouth: Both are possible signs of an active infection.
• Darkening of a single tooth: Discoloration after an injury often points to pulp (nerve) damage.

What a Modern Root Canal Involves

Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety. A root canal is a straightforward process designed to keep you comfortable while removing infection and saving your tooth.

• Comfort first: Your tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed so you stay pain-free throughout the visit.
• Gentle access: A small opening is made in the tooth so the dentist can reach the inflamed tissue inside.
• Careful cleaning: Special instruments are used to clear away infection and bacteria, leaving the inside of the tooth clean and healthy.
• Sealing the space: The canals are filled with a safe material that keeps bacteria from returning.
• Restoring strength: The opening is sealed with a filling, and in many cases a crown is placed to protect the tooth long-term.

For patients who feel nervous about treatment, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or oral medication can be used to make the visit even more relaxing.

Schedule Your Root Canal in Mesa, AZ

Delaying treatment can allow infection to spread, but the good news is that modern root canal care is designed to be comfortable and effective. At Power Road Dental Care, we focus on gentle techniques, clear communication, and comfort options like sedation to help every patient feel at ease.

Call (480) 664-1438 to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, or to receive emergency root canal treatment when urgent care is needed.

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