5 Root Canal Myths That Are Stopping You From Getting Treatment

"Root canal" — two words that make many patients anxious. But the fear surrounding this procedure is largely a relic of the past, based on outdated techniques and persistent myths. As a root canal specialist with over 16 years of experience, Dr. Sambarta Das at Dentica has heard every concern. Here, she addresses the five most common myths.

Myth 1: "Root canal treatment is extremely painful"

Fact: Modern root canal treatment, performed under advanced local anaesthesia, is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. What causes pain is the infection before treatment — the procedure itself relieves that pain. At Dentica, we use precision anaesthesia techniques that ensure you feel virtually nothing during the procedure.

Myth 2: "It takes multiple visits and weeks of discomfort"

Fact: With modern rotary endodontic technology, the majority of root canals can be completed in a single session of 60–90 minutes. Single-session treatment also reduces infection risk between appointments. You can return to normal activities the same day.

Myth 3: "It's better to just pull the tooth"

Fact: Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better option. Extracting a tooth sets off a cascade of problems — neighbouring teeth shift, bone resorption begins, and you eventually need an implant or bridge (which costs more than a root canal). Your natural tooth, properly treated and crowned, can last a lifetime.

Myth 4: "Root canals cause illness"

Fact: This myth stems from flawed, century-old research that has been thoroughly disproven by modern science. The American Association of Endodontists, the British Endodontic Society, and every major dental body worldwide confirm that root canal treatment is safe and does not cause systemic illness. Untreated dental infections, however, can spread and cause serious health complications.

Myth 5: "If I'm not in pain, I don't need a root canal"

Fact: A dying or dead tooth pulp doesn't always cause pain. In some cases, the nerve dies quietly and you feel nothing — but the infection at the root tip continues to grow, visible on X-ray. By the time it becomes painful, it may require more complex treatment. Regular check-ups catch these issues early.

When to See a Specialist

See a dentist promptly if you experience: prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, spontaneous toothache, darkening of a tooth, or swelling near a tooth. Early treatment is simpler, faster, and less expensive.

Dr. Sambarta Das performs single-session root canals at Dentica, Bhubaneswar. Book a consultation — and leave the fear behind.