Let’s be honest—the phrase “root canal” doesn’t exactly bring warm, fuzzy feelings. For a lot of people, it sparks anxiety, maybe even a little panic.
In 2019, a survey by the American Association of Endodontists even found that more people are afraid of getting a root canal than speaking in public, spending an hour in a room with 10 spiders, or being trapped in an elevator!
But here’s the truth: root canals have a pretty bad reputation that they don’t deserve.
A lot of what you’ve probably heard about unbearable pain or marathon-length appointments is outdated or just plain wrong. In reality, root canals are a routine, highly effective way to stop tooth pain and save your natural tooth.
If you’ve been putting off treatment because of horror stories or and general root canal fear, this post is for you. Let’s clear the air and take a closer look at some of the most common root canal myths. You might be surprised by how manageable (and even relieving) the experience can be.
Myth #1: “Root Canals Are Extremely Painful”
One of the most common root canal myths is that the procedure is extremely uncomfortable. The idea of extreme root canal pain has stuck around for years, despite how much modern dentistry has changed.
In reality, root canal treatment is meant to relieve pain, not cause it.
With today’s advanced tools and techniques, most procedures are no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. A local root canal anesthesia is used to numb the area fully, so patients typically feel pressure but not pain.
If you’re someone who gets nervous about dental visits, you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious, which is why sedation options are available to help you relax and improve root canal comfort.
The real discomfort comes from not treating an infected tooth. An untreated infection can lead to severe pain, swelling, and the spread of bacteria. Compared to that, root canal therapy brings lasting relief.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is—and how much better they feel afterward.
Myth #2: “Root Canal Treatment Is Time-Consuming”
Another common misconception is that a root canal procedure drags on for hours or requires several trips to the dentist. While this may have been the case decades ago, most root canal treatments today are completed in just one or two visits.
Thanks to improvements in dental equipment and imaging, the average root canal procedure time is only 60 to 90 minutes. That’s about the length of a standard dental cleaning and exam.
By getting treatment early, you can also avoid more serious dental problems that would require further procedures, such as having a tooth extracted or replaced. A fast root canal treatment can help you keep your natural tooth intact and your oral health on track.
Myth #3: “Root Canals Don’t Really Work and the Tooth Will Eventually Fail”
It’s easy to assume that removing a tooth might be the simpler option, but that’s another myth about root canals. In reality, the estimated root canal success rate is over 95% (per WebMD), and many treated teeth last a lifetime with proper care.
When a tooth becomes infected or the pulp (containing nerves and blood vessels) is damaged, a root canal removes the infected tissue and seals the space. This prevents bacteria from spreading and allows the natural tooth to remain in place.
Keeping your natural tooth is a big win—it helps maintain your bite, keeps nearby teeth from shifting around, and saves you the hassle and expense of getting a replacement. In most cases, we’ll place a crown for extra tooth preservation.
And the good news? With good oral care, a tooth that’s had a root canal can last for many years, sometimes even for life.
Myth #4: “Root Canals Are Only for Older Adults”
Some believe that only older adults require root canal treatment, but this is far from the truth. Root canal therapy is often needed by younger people, particularly when a tooth is damaged by trauma or a deep cavity.
Children, teens, and young adults who’ve chipped or cracked a tooth playing sports—or those who have severe decay—can all need early root canal treatment to save the tooth and prevent infection. Leaving the issue unaddressed may lead to the tooth being extracted later on.
Here’s the bottom line: there’s not a specific age for root canals. What really matters is whether the nerve can be saved. The sooner you get it checked out, the better your chances of keeping the tooth, no matter how old you are.
Myth #5: “Root Canals Cause Illness or Are Dangerous”
A myth that still circulates is the idea that root canals can lead to health problems or systemic illness. This outdated theory began nearly a century ago but has since been thoroughly disproven by modern science.
There is no scientific evidence linking root canal therapy to other diseases.
Leading dental and medical organizations, including the American Association of Endodontists and the American Dental Association, agree on root canal safety. This is a routine procedure used to treat infected tissue and prevent its spread, not contribute to it.
In fact, leaving a tooth infection untreated is far more risky to your health. A root canal removes harmful bacteria and damaged tissue, restoring the tooth and supporting your body’s overall well-being.
Myth #6: “You Can Wait Too Long to Get a Root Canal”
This myth isn’t just misleading—it can be dangerous. Delaying root canal treatment for a painful or infected tooth gives the infection time to worsen. Over time, this can lead to an abscess, bone loss, and even the need for tooth extraction.
If you’re experiencing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a darkening tooth, it’s best to have it examined quickly. These symptoms could signal that the nerve or pulp of the tooth is compromised.
The sooner you treat a tooth that needs a root canal, the better. Catching it early can save your natural tooth and help you avoid bigger issues down the road.
If you wait too long, the treatment can become more complicated, and there’s a chance you could lose the tooth altogether and wind up facing a root canal emergency.
Root Canals Are Nothing to Fear—But It’s Time to See Your Dentist
Despite the old stories, root canal therapy is a safe, predictable, and common solution for tooth pain relief. As Harvard Health reports, millions of these treatments are performed successfully every single year.
At Hickory Dental, our team will take the time to walk you through every step of the process, so you feel informed and cared for from the moment you walk in to your root canal consultation.
Modern dentistry has made most root canal treatments far more comfortable than people expect. With the right care, a treated tooth can last for decades.
Don’t let dental fear hold you back from saving your tooth. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, schedule a root canal appointment with our Wilmington dental team today and find out how we can help preserve your smile.