5 Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment – Debunked!

Root canal treatment (RCT) – those three words can send shivers down anyone’s spine. For years, this dental procedure has been associated with intense pain, long recovery times, and complicated procedures. However, if you ask your local Perth or Melbourne dentist, they’ll tell you a completely different story.

Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatments are nowhere near as bad as people think. In fact, a root canal can actually save your tooth and improve your oral health. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common myths surrounding root canal treatments and show you the truth behind the procedure.

Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment is Extremely Painful

The Truth:

One of the most persistent myths about root canal treatment is that it’s excruciatingly painful. But is it really true?

• Modern Dentistry is Painless: Thanks to advances in dental technology and local anaesthesia, root canal treatment is far more comfortable than ever before.
• Local Anaesthesia: The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be numbed up, and won’t feel any pain during the treatment.
• Pain Before, Not During: Most of the pain people associate with root canals actually comes from the infection, not the treatment itself. Once the infection is cleared out, you’ll likely feel much better.

The Verdict:

Root canal treatment is not painful. Modern techniques and numbing agents make the procedure virtually painless.

Myth 2: A Root Canal is a Long and Complicated Procedure

The Truth:

Another common misconception is that a root canal is a long and drawn-out process. Many people think they’ll be in the chair for hours, suffering through multiple visits.

• Quick and Efficient: In reality, root canal treatment typically takes just one or two visits to complete, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Duration: The procedure usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. In some cases, if the infection is complicated, a second visit may be required.
• Technology Makes It Easier: Thanks to modern technology, your dentist can complete the procedure efficiently, making it much less complicated than in the past.

The Verdict:

Root canal treatment is not long or complicated. Most procedures are completed in one visit, and modern technology makes the process quick and easy.

Myth 3: A Root Canal Makes the Tooth Weak and Prone to Damage

The Truth:

A common myth is that once a tooth undergoes a root canal, it becomes weak and vulnerable to further damage. But that’s far from the truth.

• Crown Restoration: After a root canal, the tooth is usually restored with a crown, which provides strength and protection.
• No Need to Worry: A crowned tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is just as strong as it was before the infection. With proper care, it can last many years, even decades.
• Normal Function: The tooth can still perform its usual functions, from chewing to speaking, without issue.

The Verdict:

A root canal does not weaken your tooth. In fact, with the proper restoration (a crown), your tooth will be just as strong and functional as it was before.

Myth 4: Root Canal Treatment is Expensive and Not Worth It

The Truth:

Some people think that root canal treatment is an expensive procedure, and that it’s just easier to get the tooth extracted. But is it really the best option?

• Cost Comparison: While the cost of a root canal treatment might seem high initially, it is far more affordable than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
• Long-Term Investment: Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is always the better option for long-term oral health. Implants or bridges can be costly and may not last as long as a well-treated natural tooth.
• Insurance Coverage: In many cases, dental insurance covers root canal treatments, making the procedure even more affordable.

The Verdict:

Root canal treatment is a cost-effective way to save your natural tooth. It’s less expensive in the long run compared to extractions and replacements.

Myth 5: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illnesses or Infections

The Truth:

Perhaps the most unfounded myth of all is that root canal treatment causes illnesses or spreads infection. Let’s take a closer look at why this is simply not true.

• Root Canal Removes Infection: In reality, root canal treatment is designed to remove the infection from the tooth. This prevents the infection from spreading to other parts of your body.
• High Success Rate: Root canal treatments are incredibly safe and have a high success rate, often saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
• Research Supports Safety: Studies show that root canal treatment doesn’t cause illness. On the contrary, it helps eliminate the root cause of infection, improving your overall health.

The Verdict:

Root canal treatment does not cause illness or infection. In fact, it helps protect your health by removing harmful bacteria from infected teeth.

Pie Chart: Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment

Here’s a pie chart showing the most common myths about root canal treatment, as based on a survey of 1,000 Australian dental patients:

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Now that we’ve debunked the myths, let’s look at the benefits of root canal treatment:

• Saves Your Natural Tooth: Root canal treatment helps save your natural tooth and keeps it in place, which is always the best option.
• Relieves Pain: The procedure removes the infected pulp and eliminates the pain caused by the infection.
• Prevents Further Infection: By removing the infection, root canal treatment prevents the bacteria from spreading to other parts of your mouth.
• Restores Function: After a root canal, the tooth is restored with a crown, allowing you to chew and bite like normal.

Conclusion

There’s no need to fear root canal treatments. The myths that have surrounded this procedure for years are just that — myths. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, root canals are far more comfortable, quicker, and safer than ever before. They are a fantastic way to save your tooth and restore your oral health without unnecessary pain or discomfort.

So, next time someone tells you that root canals are painful or complicated, you can confidently debunk those myths. With proper care and modern technology, a root canal can be a simple, life-saving procedure that will keep your smile intact for years to come.