Root Canal Myths vs. Facts: What You Actually Need to Know

I hear the same myths about root canals almost every week. Some patients come in terrified because of something they read online. Others delay treatment for months because a friend told them to "just get it pulled." I want to set the record straight on the biggest misconceptions I encounter at our St. John's practice.

Myth: Root canals are extremely painful

This is the big one — and it's simply not true anymore. Decades ago, before modern anaesthesia and techniques, root canals could be uncomfortable. Today, the procedure is performed under complete local anaesthesia. Most patients compare it to getting a filling. In fact, the toothache that brings you in is usually far worse than the procedure that fixes it.

Myth: It's better to just pull the tooth

Your natural tooth is almost always worth saving. An extraction seems simpler, but it creates a gap that leads to shifting teeth, bone loss, and bite problems. Replacing a pulled tooth with an implant costs significantly more than a root canal and crown — and still won't feel exactly like your natural tooth. If a root canal can predictably save the tooth, it's the better long-term choice.

Myth: Root canals cause illness

This myth comes from debunked research from the 1920s that has been thoroughly disproven by modern science. Major health organizations including the Canadian Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists confirm that root canal therapy is safe and does not cause systemic disease. There is zero credible evidence linking root canals to illness.

Myth: If the tooth doesn't hurt, I don't need treatment

A tooth can be infected without causing pain. The nerve may have already died, which means you won't feel the typical toothache — but the infection is still there, potentially spreading to the surrounding bone. This is why regular dental checkups with x-rays are so important. We can catch these silent infections before they become emergencies.

Myth: A root canal means multiple painful appointments

Most root canals at our practice are completed in a single visit of 60–90 minutes. Some complex cases (teeth with unusual anatomy or severe infections) may need a second visit, but that's the exception. Either way, each appointment is comfortable.

The Bottom Line

Root canal therapy is one of the most predictable, well-studied procedures in dentistry with a success rate above 95%. If someone has told you to avoid one, I'd encourage you to come in and let us examine the tooth. We'll give you an honest assessment and make sure you have the facts — not the myths — to make your decision.