Root canal myths: what's true and what isn't
Root canals have a reputation that doesn't match modern treatment. Here are the most common myths, and the facts.
A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and lets you keep your natural tooth. With local anaesthetic, many patients find it feels similar to having a filling. Root canals don't cause illness elsewhere in the body. Keeping your own tooth is usually preferable to extracting it.
Myth: root canals are extremely painful
The pain people link with root canals usually comes from the infection itself, before treatment. During the procedure, the tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anaesthetic. You'll feel pressure and hear the instruments, and the appointment can feel long, but many people find it's much like a filling.
Some tenderness when biting is common for a few days afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage it.
Myth: root canals make you sick
This idea dates back to research from the early 1900s that has since been discredited. Current evidence doesn't show that root-canal-treated teeth cause disease elsewhere in the body. In fact, leaving an infected tooth untreated allows infection to persist and, in rare cases, spread.
Another common myth is that root canal treatment removes the tooth's roots. It doesn't. Only the soft pulp inside the canals is removed. The roots stay in the jaw and keep holding the tooth in place.
Myth: it's better to just pull the tooth
Extraction is sometimes the right choice, for example when a tooth is badly cracked or can't be restored. In most other cases, keeping your natural tooth helps preserve your bite and jawbone.
An extracted tooth usually needs replacing with an implant, bridge or partial denture to prevent the nearby teeth from shifting. That adds time and cost. Ask your dentist to explain both paths for your tooth.
Myth: if it doesn't hurt, it doesn't need treatment
A tooth can be infected without pain. The nerve may have already died, or an abscess may drain through a small bump on the gum. X-rays sometimes show a dark area at the root tip in a tooth that feels fine.
Signs to have checked include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, a darkening tooth, a pimple on the gum, or swelling.
What treatment involves here
Most root canals are done at our office over one or two visits. The dentist opens the tooth, removes the pulp, shapes and disinfects the canals, and fills them. Back teeth usually need a crown afterward to protect them from cracking.
Some teeth have curved, narrow or calcified canals, or have been treated before. Those complex cases may be referred to an endodontist, a dentist with advanced training in root canal treatment.
After treatment, care for the tooth as you would any other: brush, floss and keep up regular checkups. Avoid chewing hard foods on it until the final filling or crown is in place, since a temporary filling isn't as strong.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a root canal take?
It depends on the tooth. Front teeth have one canal, while molars can have three or four. Some cases are done in one visit, others in two.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth usually do, because they take heavy chewing forces and become more brittle after treatment. Front teeth may only need a filling.
Can a root canal fail?
Most treated teeth heal well. Occasionally, infection returns, and the tooth may need retreatment, a minor surgery at the root tip, or extraction.
Can I drive myself home?
Usually yes. Local anaesthetic doesn't affect your ability to drive. Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours, so wait before eating.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-03.
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