Have You Heard These Myths About Root Canals?

April 24, 2025

Smiling dentist looking at patient's teeth

Between countless videos on social media and a seemingly endless number of articles on Google, there is more information available than ever before. Of course, that also means there’s quite a bit of misinformation out there as well. Root canals, for example, are still one of the most feared procedures despite the incredible advancements in both the field of dentistry and technology in general. With this in mind, keep reading to learn four prevalent myths about root canals!

Myth #1: Root Canals Can Make You Sick

This myth stems from poorly designed research conducted back in the 1920s. At the time, a dentist claimed that it was better to extract the tooth in question since root canals don’t remove all of the bacteria. However, his findings have been disproven time and time again in the decades since, and there currently isn’t any scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals can make you sick.

Myth #2: Root Canals Are Painful

Hands down, one of the most prevalent myths about root canals is that they are extremely painful. The truth is that this procedure is designed to eliminate the infection and the soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort stemming from it. Not only that, but the first step of the treatment process is always the same: numbing your mouth. As a result, your experience will be virtually painless.

Myth #3: Root Canals Often Need to be Redone

While there are some cases when root canals need to be redone, that’s not the norm. In fact, this emergency dental procedure has an extremely high success rate, and the large majority of patients enjoy the results for the rest of their lives.

Myth #4: Root Canals Are Noticeable

Decades prior, the treated tooth would be covered with a metal restoration. Although effective, this left much to be desired in the aesthetics department. Fortunately, there’s another option: metal-free dental crowns. These allow us to protect your teeth from further harm without drawing unwanted attention to your smile. In fact, they are available in a wide range of shades, which allows your dentist to select one that blends in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

About the Practice

Our team at Cromer & Cairns Dental knows that getting the dental care you need isn’t always easy, especially if you struggle with dental-related anxiety. That’s why we go the extra mile to make the entire treatment process seamless and stress-free – from welcoming dental insurance to utilizing cutting-edge dental technology and offering appointments five days a week. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, or you simply have a question for our Vero Beach dental team, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (772) 562-5051.