Thanks to persistent myths about what they’re really like, root canals are among the most feared dental procedures by patients. These misconceptions about root canals can leave patients in pain as they end up avoiding necessary dental care. If you think you need a root canal, don’t let myths about the procedure stop you from calling your dental office in Park Ridge. You may be surprised to learn the truth behind these common misconceptions.

Myth: Root canals are painful.

This myth is the most persistent one about root canals, and it’s simply not true. Your dentist will use anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and patients who get root canals frequently describe them as being no worse than getting a filling. According to the American Academy of Endodontists, people who have had root canals are six times more likely to say they are painless than people who have not had one. People get root canals to relieve pain caused by severe decay and damaged tissue, so after treatment, they experience relief, not pain.

Myth: Root canals can make you sick.

This myth arises from a long-debunked study from the 1920s that relied on misunderstandings of how disease works in the body and stated that root canals release dangerous bacteria into the bloodstream. Although the study was criticized when it was published and proven to be incorrect decades ago, some people still cite it incorrectly on the internet, where patients may encounter it and wonder if a root canal could make them sick. In reality, there is no link between root canals and illnesses. The mouth always has bacteria in it, and any small amount that does enter the bloodstream during a root canal is easily managed by the immune system immediately.

Myth: You should consider getting your tooth removed instead of having a root canal.

Saving a natural tooth is always the best option for your health. When you remove a tooth, it can change the way you look, speak, and eat, and it can start a domino effect of other oral health problems, including gum disease and more tooth loss. You will also need a dental implant or bridge if you remove your tooth, which adds time and expense to your treatment plan.