A root canal does not have to be the frightening experience most people expect. Patients delay treatment, infections worsen, and teeth that could have been saved are lost.
Here is what actually happens during a root canal, and why much of what you have heard about it is likely wrong.
The Most Common Root Canal Myths
Myth 1: Root Canals Are Painful
The pain people associate with root canals is almost always caused by the infection or abscess that made the procedure necessary in the first place. An inflamed or infected tooth nerve is genuinely painful. The root canal is what ends that pain.
During the procedure, your dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia before any work begins. Most patients describe the experience as similar to having a filling done. You may feel some pressure, but sharp pain during a properly anesthetized root canal is not what the procedure typically involves.
| What People Fear | What Actually Happens |
| Severe pain during treatment | Area is numbed with local anesthetic before any work begins |
| Pain lasting for weeks after | Mild soreness for a few days is common, manageable with over-the-counter medication |
| A lengthy, difficult procedure | Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments |
Myth 2: It Is Better to Just Pull the Tooth
Extracting a tooth might feel like the simpler option. It often creates more problems than it solves.
When a tooth is removed, surrounding teeth can shift over time and affect your bite. The bone in that area may gradually deteriorate without a tooth root to support it. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge involves additional procedures and cost.
A root canal preserves your natural tooth, which generally functions better and requires less ongoing dental work than an artificial replacement.
Myth 3: Root Canals Cause Illness
This claim originates from early 20th-century research that has since been thoroughly discredited by the dental and medical communities. The Canadian Dental Association does not support it, and there is no credible scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to systemic disease.
Myth 4: You Only Need a Root Canal If Your Tooth Hurts
Some teeth that need root canal treatment cause no pain at all. A tooth can become infected and the nerve can die without producing noticeable symptoms. Your dentist may identify the need for treatment through an X-ray or during a routine exam, even when you have not felt any discomfort.
Waiting for pain before acting can allow an infection to spread to surrounding bone and tissue.
What Actually Happens During a Root Canal
Understanding the steps tends to reduce anxiety more than any general reassurance.
- Anesthesia is administered. Your dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding area. Treatment does not begin until you are comfortable.
- A small opening is made. Your dentist accesses the inside of the tooth through the crown.
- The infected pulp is removed. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Removing it eliminates the source of the infection and the pain.
- The canals are cleaned and shaped. The interior of the tooth is carefully cleaned to remove bacteria and debris.
- The tooth is sealed. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
- A crown is usually placed. Most treated teeth are protected with a crown at a follow-up appointment, which restores full function and helps the tooth last long-term.
What Happens If You Avoid Treatment
Without treatment, an infected tooth can develop an abscess, and the infection may spread into the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
Delaying a root canal because of fear often means facing a more complex situation later, sometimes including tooth loss, rather than the straightforward procedure you were putting off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one to two appointments, typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes each, depending on the tooth and the complexity of the case.
Will I be awake during a root canal?
Yes. Root canals are performed under local anesthesia, so you are fully awake but the area is completely numb. Sedation options are available for patients who experience significant dental anxiety.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. Some mild tenderness around the treated area is common in the first day or two and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is a crown always necessary after a root canal?
Not always, but it is recommended for most back teeth, which absorb significant chewing pressure. Your dentist will advise you based on the specific tooth and how much natural structure remains.
Root Canal Treatment at Harvest Pointe Dental
If you have been told you need a root canal, or if you are experiencing tooth pain and want to understand your options, our team at Harvest Pointe Dental is here to help.
We take time to explain what to expect before any treatment begins, and we offer sedation dentistry for patients who feel anxious about dental procedures.
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and direct bill to most insurance providers.
Same-day emergency appointments are available for patients in pain. Our Ellerslie location, across from the Walmart Ellerslie Supercentre, is open until 7 PM Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays to fit your schedule.
