Common Myths About Root Canals

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Root Canals Are Usually Painful.
The root canal procedure itself is painless. A local anesthetic numbs the tooth and the surrounding area. Many people may be afraid to have a root canal because they are anxious about having dental work done. Dentists can provide calming medications, such as nitrous oxide.

"When people are told that they need a root canal treatment, they usually think about pain," says Gunnar Hasselgren, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor of endodontics and director of endodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. "However, the pain they feel is caused by an infection in the tooth, not by root canal treatment. A root canal is done to eliminate that pain."

Root Canals Are Useless Because I'm Just Going To Need The Tooth Taken Out Eventually?
"It is not correct to assume that the treated tooth will eventually need to be extracted," Dr. Hasselgren says. "The whole point of root canal therapy is to try to save a tooth, not to remove it. In fact, most root canal treatments are successful and result in the tooth being saved."

I Don't Need A Root Canal Because I'm Not Feeling Any Pain.
"Most teeth that need root canal therapy will not cause pain. But that does not mean the tooth is OK," Dr. Hasselgren says. Your dentist and endodontist have ways to see if the tooth's pulp is damaged or infected. If it is, then you will need root canal therapy, even if the tooth doesn't hurt.

If you see something near a damaged tooth that looks like a pimple, see your dentist. This "pimple" -called a sinus tract- is a tunnel of tissue draining pus from an infection. It can come and go. The infection must be treated, and the tooth probably needs root canal therapy. Without treatment, nearby tissues may be damaged.

A Root Canal Means I'm Having The Roots Of My Tooth Removed.
Your tooth and roots are not removed. The canals are cleaned and shaped on the inside only. "During root canal treatment, the inside of your tooth is treated, not the outside," Dr. Hasselgren says. "The endodontist removes the pulp, located in the center of the tooth."


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