Root canal treatment has an unfair reputation. The moment someone hears “RCT,” the first reaction is usually fear — fear of pain, fear of injections, fear of the procedure itself. Most of this fear comes from old stories, outdated techniques, and myths passed down for years.
The truth?
Modern root canal treatment is safe, painless, and often the best way to save a damaged tooth.
Let’s break down the most common root canal myths and learn what’s actually true.
Myth 1: “Root Canal Treatment Is Extremely Painful”
This is the biggest and most outdated myth of all.
The Truth:
Thanks to advanced anesthesia and modern dental tools, a root canal is no more painful than getting a normal filling. The pain you feel before the treatment (due to infection or inflammation) is usually much worse than the procedure itself.
Most patients actually feel immediate relief once the infected nerve is removed.
Myth 2: “It’s Better to Remove the Tooth Than Do a Root Canal”
Some people believe that extraction is a quicker solution.
The Truth:
A root canal saves your natural tooth — and nothing is better than your original tooth. Tooth extraction leads to:
- Gaps in your smile
- Shifting of nearby teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Need for costly replacements (implants, bridges, dentures)
A root canal, on the other hand, keeps your natural tooth structure intact and functioning.
Myth 3: “Root Canals Cause Illness”
This myth originated from an old, unscientific theory from the early 1900s.
The Truth:
Modern research has completely debunked this idea. There is no scientific evidence that root canal-treated teeth cause systemic illnesses. Millions of people worldwide undergo root canal treatment safely every year.
Dental associations and medical bodies worldwide confirm that RCT is safe and effective.
Myth 4: “The Tooth Will Never Work the Same After a Root Canal”
People often think that a root canal-treated tooth becomes weak or useless.
The Truth:
A tooth after RCT works just like a normal tooth once restored with a filling or crown. In fact, most patients cannot even tell the difference between a treated and untreated tooth.
Because the infection is removed, the tooth becomes healthier and more stable in the long run.
Myth 5: “A Root Canal Takes Many Long, Painful Appointments”
Many fear that RCT requires repeated visits.
The Truth:
With modern equipment, most root canals are completed in one or two appointments.
The goal is comfort, efficiency, and precision.
Myth 6: “Root Canals Don’t Work — the Infection Will Come Back”
Some people believe root canals fail easily.
The Truth:
Root canal success rates are very high, especially when done by trained dentists. Proper cleaning, sealing, and restoration ensure long-term results. In most cases, a root canal lasts a lifetime with good oral hygiene.
If infections do return (rarely), they can still be retreated successfully.
Myth 7: “If There’s No Pain, There’s No Need for a Root Canal”
A common misconception is assuming the tooth is fine if it isn’t hurting.
The Truth:
Some infected teeth stop hurting only because the nerve has died — not because the problem is solved. Silent infections can still spread to:
- The jawbone
- Nearby teeth
- Gums
- Other areas of the face
Root canal treatment prevents these complications.
Why You Should Not Delay a Root Canal
Delaying RCT can lead to:
✔ Severe swelling
✔ Intense pain
✔ Abscess formation
✔ Tooth loss
✔ Higher treatment cost
✔ Spread of infection
A root canal doesn’t just stop the pain — it prevents further damage and restores your natural tooth.
What a Modern Root Canal Really Feels Like
Patients often describe modern RCT as:
- Comfortable
- Quick
- Similar to a simple filling
- Relieving rather than stressful
The use of digital X-rays, rotary tools, and advanced anesthesia has transformed the entire experience.
Final Thoughts
Root canal myths create fear, but facts bring relief. A root canal treatment is safe, effective, and designed to save your natural tooth. If you’ve been advised to get an RCT, don’t panic — with the right dentist and modern techniques, the process is smooth and painless.
Next time someone mentions scary stories about root canals, you’ll know the truth:
Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain — it removes it.