If you were to go by how movies and books portray them, you’d think a root canal was some medieval torture device disguised as dentistry. People clutching their jaws in agony, dramatic music swelling in the background, maybe a storm brewing outside; it’s all very over-the-top.
Pop culture has done a great job of making this standard dental procedure seem terrifying. And unfortunately, many people have bought into this myth without even realizing it.
A root canal is often painless, and in some cases, we can complete it in as little as an hour or two.
As with any dental procedure, the specialist you choose matters. You want someone who prioritizes your care and has expertise and a steady hand.
Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, checks all three boxes. At his practice in Butte, Montana, Dr. Wilcox has built a reputation as one of the best professionals to trust for a root canal.
In this blog, he covers some of the most common myths about root canals and sets the facts straight.
Fact: Root canals are meant to relieve pain, not cause it.
Most people who need a root canal are already dealing with a toothache, swelling, or sensitivity. That pain is a result of an infection in your tooth. When you get a root canal, we remove the infected pulp, then clean and seal the inside of the tooth, eliminating the pain.
Fact: Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better option.
Removing a tooth can lead to other issues like shifting teeth, bone loss, and the need for a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap. Those options can be more expensive and require more long-term care.
A root canal lets you keep your natural tooth and avoid these complications. Keeping your natural teeth helps maintain the integrity of your bite and jawbone.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking root canals to disease.
There’s a persistent myth that root canals are somehow linked to other illnesses, like heart disease or cancer. That’s based on debunked research and isn’t supported by science today. Modern root canals are completed using strict sterilization protocols.
When done properly, a root canal removes the infection, seals the tooth, and prevents further complications. On the other hand, if you don’t treat an infected tooth, bacteria can spread, and that’s what can put your health at risk.
Fact: Pain isn’t the only sign of a dental problem.
People often assume that if their tooth doesn’t hurt, everything’s fine. But dental infections don’t always cause pain at first. You might notice some swelling, discoloration, or tenderness when chewing. Or you might feel nothing at all until Dr. Wilcox spots it on an X-ray. That’s why routine dental visits are crucial.
Fact: Many root canals can be completed in just one or two visits.
Dr. Wilcox uses advanced imaging and treatment techniques to make the process efficient and precise. For straightforward cases, treatment often requires just a single appointment.
More complex cases may need a second visit, but that’s it. Most patients are back to their normal routine the next day.
Root canals have gotten a bad rap for no good reason. They’re not scary, they’re not painful, and they’re not something to avoid. A root canal is often the best solution to save your tooth if it’s significantly infected.
If you’ve been nervous about getting a root canal or have questions about whether you might need one, call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilcox.
