Top 5 Myths About Root Canals – Debunked By a Dentist!

At Archer Dental, we want to set the record straight. If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you deserve accurate, comforting information—not outdated myths. So let’s break down the top five misconceptions about root canals and shine a light on what the treatment is really like.

Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful

This is hands-down the most common myth—and one we hear all the time. The reality? Root canals are no more painful than getting a dental filling.

Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthesia, most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. In fact, many are surprised by how quick and easy it is. What’s actually painful is the infection or inflammation inside the tooth that makes a root canal necessary in the first place. Once treated, that pain goes away.

If you’re in pain, the root canal is the solution—not the problem. Letting the infection go untreated will only make things worse over time and could eventually lead to an emergency tooth extraction. So if you're nervous, don’t be—relief is just one appointment away.

Myth #2: It’s Better to Pull the Tooth Than Get a Root Canal

We understand the temptation to “just pull it.” After all, extraction seems faster and cheaper in the moment. But removing a tooth sets off a cascade of new problems that most patients don’t anticipate.

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best option. A root canal removes the infected tissue inside the tooth but leaves the root and structure intact. This keeps your bite aligned, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and preserves your ability to chew comfortably.

Extracting a tooth may mean you’ll eventually need a bridge, dental implant, or partial denture—all of which cost more than a root canal and require more long-term maintenance. If your tooth can be saved, it’s worth it. Trust us—your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

Myth #3: Root Canals Weaken Your Tooth

It’s true that a root canal removes the infected pulp and nerves from inside a tooth, but that doesn’t mean the tooth becomes weak or brittle. In fact, once restored with a crown or filling, a root canal-treated tooth can be just as strong and functional as any other.

What does weaken a tooth is the infection itself, or large untreated cavities that compromise the structure. A root canal actually stops the damage from progressing and gives your tooth a second chance.

In most cases, we’ll recommend a dental crown after a root canal to reinforce the tooth and protect it from future stress. Once restored, it looks and feels completely natural—you’ll forget you even had the procedure.

Myth #4: A Root Canal Means Your Tooth Is Dead

This myth stems from a misunderstanding of what a root canal actually does. Yes, the nerve inside the tooth is removed during the procedure. But the tooth itself isn’t dead—it’s simply no longer innervated.

In a fully developed adult tooth, the nerve no longer plays a significant role in function. It’s not necessary for biting, chewing, or feeling temperature. Once the infected tissue is removed, the tooth can still be used like normal—especially with a proper restoration.

Think of it like a tree that’s been hollowed out and filled in: structurally sound, visually intact, and still very much part of the landscape. A root canal simply eliminates the source of infection and preserves what matters.

Myth #5: If You’re Not in Pain, You Don’t Need a Root Canal

This one can be tricky. Pain is often what prompts patients to seek treatment—but not all dental infections cause pain right away. In some cases, you can have a severely infected or damaged tooth and feel nothing at all until it becomes an emergency.

That’s why regular checkups, X-rays, and preventive care are so important. Your dentist can identify issues that aren’t yet symptomatic and intervene before the infection spreads or leads to complications like abscesses or bone loss.

If your dentist recommends a root canal—even if you’re not in pain—it’s not a scare tactic. It’s a proactive step to save your tooth before things take a turn for the worse. Early treatment means easier healing, fewer complications, and a better outcome overall.

Let’s Review: Root Canal Myths, Busted

Still feeling unsure? Let’s recap what we’ve just covered:

• Myth: Root canals are painful.
  Truth: They’re no worse than a filling—and actually relieve pain caused by infection.
  
  
• Myth: It's better to pull the tooth.
  Truth: Saving your natural tooth is always the healthiest and most cost-effective option.
  
  
• Myth: Root canals weaken your tooth.
  Truth: With a crown or filling, your tooth will be just as strong as ever.
  
  
• Myth: Getting a root canal means your tooth is dead.
  Truth: The nerve is gone, but your tooth is still functional and alive.
  
  
• Myth: No pain = no problem.
  Truth: Some infections are silent. Only regular exams and X-rays can catch them early.

Don’t Let Dental Myths Keep You From the Care You Need

We get it—root canals have a reputation. But that reputation is outdated. Today’s root canal procedures are gentle, effective, and designed to preserve your natural teeth and oral health long term.

If you’ve been putting off treatment because of fear or misinformation, let us put your mind at ease. At Archer Dental, we’ll walk you through the entire process, answer your questions, and make sure you’re comfortable from start to finish.

We offer expert care from our Chicago practice located at 5200 S Archer Ave, Ste #3, Chicago, IL 60632. Need to schedule an exam or get a second opinion? Request your appointment online today and take the first step toward a pain-free, myth-free smile.