In the world of dental procedures, root canals have some of the worst reputations around.  Thanks to a number of outdated misconceptions, they’re commonly associated with extreme pain and discomfort, and most people would do anything to avoid having them. 

But the fact of the matter is that these myths are just that – myths that, by and large, are no longer true. 

Thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, root canals are not only a safe procedure, but a relatively painless one as well. 

So, if you’ve been told you need a root canal by a dentist in NW Calgary and you’re panicking, relax – here are four myths about root canals that can be put to rest. 

Myth #1 – Root Canals Are Extremely Painful 

One of the biggest concerns patients have about getting a root canal is how much it’s going to hurt.  If you’ve ever talked to a grandparent about what it’s like to have one of these procedures done, you’ve likely heard stories about the horrendous pain associated with it. 

Fact: While this may have been true in the past, you can rest assured that it’s no longer the case.  Dentistry has come a long way over the last few decades, and the anesthetic treatments used today mean that root canals typically feel no worse than any other dental procedure (most people can expect some mild discomfort at worst). 

In fact, not only is a root canal not painful, in many cases it can actually relieve severe tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation. 

Myth #2 – Root Canals Cause Illness 

If you’ve scoured the far corners of the internet, you may have found a number of sites claiming that getting a root canal near you makes you more susceptible to disease in the future, and that they contribute to illness in the body. 

Fact: This little misconception is actually based on a study that’s nearly a century old.  The reality is that this study was not only poorly designed, but was conducted at a time when disease and its causes were poorly understood, and has long been discredited. 

Modern research into the topic has concluded just the opposite – there’s no legitimate scientific research linking root canals and illness, and root canal patients are at no greater risk of developing disease. 

Myth #3 – It’s Better To Just Pull The Tooth 

The myth that it’s simply better to go with a full extraction is based both on the misconception of root canals causing illness, and on the (unfounded) assumption that they’re a temporary solution.  Many people still believe that a tooth that’s received root canal treatment will need to be pulled in the future anyway, so there’s simply no point in having the procedure. 

Fact: Root canals save teeth.  Not only are the vast majority of procedures successful in repairing a tooth, but with good oral hygiene practices, it could easily last for as long as your other natural teeth.  

Myth #4 – No Pain Equals No Root Canal 

Many people mistakenly assume that if a tooth doesn’t hurt, then it doesn’t need treatment.    

Fact:  Pain is usually a pretty good indication that something is wrong, and almost everyone understands that if your tooth hurts you should probably go to the dentist. 

But it’s not a foolproof way to tell.   

Often, a patient may have no pain at all, but still have a tooth that’s infected to the point where a root canal in NW Calgary is necessary.  Only a dentist near you can tell if this is the case, so if you notice any changes in the appearance or overall sensations in your teeth, be sure to book an appointment right away.