Myths About Root Canals
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There are many misconceptions about root canal (endodontic) treatment, particularly regarding pain and safety. The American Association of Endodontists provides accurate information to help patients make informed decisions. As with any medical procedure, it is essential to gather information and discuss concerns with a dentist or endodontist. If uncertainty remains, seeking a second opinion is always an option.
Common Myths:
- Root canal treatment is painful.
- Root canal treatment causes illness.
- Tooth extraction is a better alternative to root canal treatment.
Myth #1—Root Canal Treatment Is Painful
Truth: Root canal treatment does not cause pain—it relieves it.
The perception that root canals are painful is outdated. Modern technology and anesthesia make root canal procedures as comfortable as getting a dental filling. Research shows that patients who undergo root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as “painless” compared to those who have not had one.
Most patients seek endodontic treatment due to severe tooth pain caused by damaged or infected pulp. The procedure removes this source of pain, allowing for relief and healing.
Myth #2—Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness
Truth: There is no scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth to systemic disease.
Some misinformation online suggests that root canal-treated teeth contribute to illness, often citing outdated research from the early 1900s by Dr. Weston A. Price. His findings, which promoted tooth extraction over endodontic treatment, were widely discredited by the 1930s. Modern studies have consistently refuted his claims, confirming that root canal procedures are safe and effective.
Bacteria naturally exist in the mouth, and their presence does not equate to infection. Root canal treatment is specifically designed to remove harmful bacteria, preventing reinfection and preserving the natural tooth.
Tooth extraction, on the other hand, is a more traumatic procedure with a higher risk of bacterial entry into the bloodstream. Endodontic treatment is a safer and more effective solution for infected teeth.
The
Journal of the American Dental Association published a special edition in 1951 reviewing scientific literature and reaffirming that endodontic treatment is the preferred approach when a tooth can be saved. More recent studies, including a 2013 study published in
JAMA Otolaryngology-Head &
Neck Surgery, found that patients who had multiple root canal treatments had a 45% reduced risk of cancer.
Myth #3—Tooth Extraction Is a Better Alternative to Root Canal Treatment
Truth: Saving your natural tooth is always the best option.
Nothing can fully replace a natural tooth. Artificial teeth, such as implants or bridges, may restrict certain foods and require additional maintenance. Keeping natural teeth helps ensure proper nutrient intake and supports overall oral health.
If a dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is a viable alternative. Root canals, combined with proper restoration, are cost-effective and often less expensive than tooth extraction and replacement.
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with many treated teeth lasting a lifetime. In contrast, extraction followed by an implant or bridge requires longer treatment time and additional procedures affecting adjacent teeth and gum tissue.
Millions of people worldwide have successfully maintained healthy, functional smiles with root canal treatment. Endodontists and dentists strive to help patients keep their natural teeth for life.
