Root Canal Myths vs. Facts: Save Your Tooth Without the Stress
Published on Oct 22, 2025 | 4 minute read
Few dental treatments attract more myths than root canals. The words alone can make people tense, yet modern root canal therapy is precise, comfortable, and designed to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. By separating fiction from facts, you can choose care with confidence and protect your long-term oral health.
Myth: “Root Canals Are Painful.”
Fact: Today’s anesthetics and techniques make the procedure comfortable. Most patients compare it to a longer filling visit. In many cases, pain relief is immediate because treatment removes the irritated or infected nerve tissue causing the ache. Afterward, mild tenderness is normal for a day or two and responds well to over-the-counter medication.
Myth: “It’s Better to Pull the Tooth.”
Fact: Saving a natural tooth helps you chew efficiently and keeps neighboring teeth stable. An extraction may lead to shifting, bite changes, and additional costs to replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or partial denture. Those are excellent solutions when needed, but preserving your own tooth is usually simpler and more cost-effective.
Myth: “Root Canals Take Many Visits.”
Fact: With digital imaging and modern instruments, many cases are completed in one appointment. Complex anatomy or severe infections may require a second visit, but your dentist will share a clear plan so you know what to expect from start to finish.
What Actually Happens During Treatment
After the tooth is thoroughly numbed, your dentist makes a small opening to access the canals inside. Delicate instruments remove inflamed tissue, the space is disinfected, and a rubber-like material seals the canals to keep bacteria out. The opening is closed with a filling, and a crown is often recommended for back teeth or teeth with large cavities to protect against future fracture. This structure-first approach restores comfort and strength.
Healing and Aftercare
Healing and aftercare are straightforward. Chew on the other side until any tenderness resolves and your final restoration is placed. Continue brushing and flossing normally—healthy gums speed healing. If you experience swelling or discomfort that worsens instead of improving, call promptly so your dentist can adjust your bite or provide additional care.
When a Root Canal Is the Right Call
When is a root canal the right call? Symptoms can include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain that wakes you at night, tenderness when biting, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Sometimes there’s no pain at all—an X-ray reveals a problem before symptoms develop. Acting early keeps treatment simpler and prevents the spread of infection.
Alternatives if a Tooth Can’t Be Saved
What if a tooth can’t be saved? If a crack extends below the gum or decay is too extensive, extraction may be the healthiest option. Fortunately, modern tooth replacements are outstanding. A dental implant replaces the root and supports a crown, while a bridge uses neighboring teeth for support. Your dentist will outline timelines, costs, and pros and cons so you can choose confidently.
Benefits Summary
• Comfortable, effective treatment to stop pain and save your natural tooth.
• Maintains bite balance, protects neighboring teeth, and preserves chewing power.
• One-visit convenience in many cases with predictable healing.
• Strong long-term success when followed by a protective crown and routine care.
If a nagging toothache or lingering sensitivity is disrupting your day, don’t wait. Call Bensonhurst Implant & Family Dentistry in Brooklyn, NY at 718-372-2800 to schedule an evaluation and learn whether a gentle root canal can get you back to feeling normal—fast.
