10 Root Canal Myths Busted by Top Mumbai Dentists

Root canal myths

10 Root Canal Myths Busted by Top Mumbai Dentists

By Dr Pauravi Hegde MDS, Experienced Dentist Specializing in Crafting the Perfect Smile

Table of Contents

Root canals—just hearing those two words can make people cringe. Thanks to rampant misinformation and outdated horror stories, the procedure has acquired a reputation for being excruciating and complicated. But is that really the case? Living in a vibrant, busy city like Mumbai, especially if you’re from Sewri, Dadar, Matunga, Ghatkopar, or Antop Hill, you probably have enough on your plate without having to worry about dental myths. In this article, we’ll debunk the top 10 myths about root canals that even some of your friends and family might believe. By the end, you’ll have a clear, fact-based view of why root canal therapy is often the best way to save a tooth—and why it’s not as dreadful as you might think.

I’m Dr Pauravi Hegde MDS, and through my years of practice, I’ve treated countless patients who came in fearing the worst. Thankfully, modern dentistry has evolved enormously—root canals included. Let’s dive into those myths and bust them one by one.

1. Myth #1: “Root Canals Are Extremely Painful”

Where This Myth Comes From

Some of my older patients recall stories from a time when dental technology wasn’t as advanced. They describe the high-pitched whine of old drills, minimal anesthesia options, and very long sittings. These tales have been passed down through generations, fueling the rumor that a root canal is like enduring some medieval torture.

The Reality Today

  • Modern Anesthesia: Today, we use local anesthetics that numb the tooth and surrounding tissues effectively. Many patients report feeling just a slight pressure or vibration, but no severe pain.
  • Advanced Tools: With rotary endodontic equipment and digital imaging, we can locate canals precisely and clean them out faster and more thoroughly.
  • Sedation Options: For people with high anxiety, sedation dentistry (like nitrous oxide or oral sedatives) is available. This lets you relax throughout the procedure.

Personal Anecdote

I once treated a 25-year-old media executive from Dadar who was so nervous about pain that she nearly canceled her appointment. She had heard her grandmother’s nightmarish tales of root canals from the 1970s. But once the anesthesia kicked in and we started, she couldn’t believe how comfortable she felt. Halfway through, she even joked about how she was finally able to relax—something she never expected during a “dreaded” root canal.

Key Takeaway: Root canal therapy, when performed correctly with modern technology, is often no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling.

2. Myth #2: “It’s Better to Pull the Tooth Than Save It”

Why People Believe It

Extractions might seem like a quick fix—no tooth, no problem, right? Some also assume an extraction is cheaper than a root canal. However, this viewpoint doesn’t account for the long-term consequences of losing a tooth.

The Facts

  • Preserving Jawbone: Your teeth stimulate the jawbone. When a tooth is pulled, that area of the jaw can deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation.
  • Alignment Matters: Once a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to a misaligned bite. You might end up needing braces or other corrective measures.
  • Costs Can Add Up: If you opt for an implant or bridge later to replace the missing tooth, the total cost often far exceeds that of a root canal.

Local Example

A patient from Sewri once came to me after having an extraction elsewhere. He realized too late that chewing on that side had become cumbersome, and the adjacent teeth started tilting inward. Eventually, he spent more on a bridge than he would have on a root canal and crown. The moral? Saving your natural tooth can save you money, comfort, and bone health in the long run.

3. Myth #3: “Root Canals Kill the Tooth”

Exploring the Misconception

There’s a persistent belief that once you remove the pulp (the tooth’s nerve and blood supply), the tooth is essentially “dead.” People then assume this “dead tooth” becomes brittle or can lead to systemic health problems.

What Really Happens

  • Removed Infection, Not Life: The infected or inflamed pulp is taken out, which is the primary source of pain or potential abscess. Removing it saves the rest of the tooth structure.
  • Strength with Restoration: After a root canal, we often place a crown over the tooth to restore its strength. This ensures you can chew comfortably and keep the tooth for a long time.
  • Function Remains: The tooth is still anchored in the jawbone, supported by the periodontal ligament. It can function almost as well as any other tooth—just without the nerve inside.

Dentist’s Note

As Dr Pauravi Hegde MDS, I’ve placed crowns on hundreds of root canal–treated teeth. With proper aftercare—like regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups—those teeth can last for many years (often decades). The tooth isn’t “dead” in any practical sense; it’s simply no longer infected.

4. Myth #4: “Root Canals Require Multiple Appointments”

Where This Idea Began

Traditionally, root canals could span several visits, especially if the infection was severe or if the tooth had complicated canal structures. Without modern imaging and cleaning technology, dentists had to proceed cautiously, ensuring each step was fully complete before moving on.

Modern Reality

  • Single-Sitting Root Canals: Thanks to rotary endodontics and digital X-rays, many uncomplicated root canals can be finished in one or two visits.
  • Same-Day Solutions: In certain cases (like a clean canal, no major infection, or a straightforward anatomy), everything—from cleaning out the canal to placing the filling—can be done in a single session.
  • Exceptions: Complicated cases (like severely infected or curved root canals) might need extra steps, but these are the exception rather than the rule.

Local Example

A busy manager from Matunga once came in with a nasty toothache. We did a same-day root canal and placed a temporary crown in just two hours. He was back at work after lunch and only returned later for his permanent crown. He was astonished that a procedure he’d been dreading for weeks was handled so quickly.

5. Myth #5: “Root Canals Are Only for Severely Decayed Teeth”

Common Assumption

Some people assume root canals are a “last resort” for extremely decayed or broken teeth—something you only consider when there’s practically nothing left of the tooth.

Wider Indications

  • Deep Fillings: If a filling is close to the pulp, it can irritate the nerve. Sometimes a root canal is needed to remove inflamed pulp, even if the tooth isn’t “visibly” decayed.
  • Cracks or Chips: A seemingly minor crack can extend into the pulp, leading to infection.
  • Trauma: Physical injury (like from sports or an accident) can damage the pulp even if the tooth looks fine on the outside.

Why Early Intervention Matters

I had a patient from Ghatkopar who had a hairline crack in her front tooth from an auto rickshaw bump. She ignored it since it didn’t hurt initially. Months later, the tooth turned grayish, and an X-ray revealed an infected pulp. A root canal saved the tooth, but it would have been simpler if she’d come in sooner. Catching issues early can sometimes prevent the need for more complex procedures.

6. Myth #6: “Root Canals Are Risky and Unsuccessful”

Origin of the Fear

Old stories and a handful of unfortunate outcomes can skew public perception. Some also misinterpret dryness or brittleness of a tooth post-root canal as “failure,” even though it’s a normal change once the pulp is removed.

The Success Rates

  • High Success Rate: Root canals boast success rates ranging from 90% to 95% or higher, especially if done by a skilled practitioner.
  • Importance of Crowns: A properly fitted crown on a root canal–treated tooth can significantly improve success and longevity.
  • Proper Follow-Up: Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and immediate attention to any unusual sensitivity or pain can help maintain a healthy result.

Practical Example

A colleague from Sewri once performed a root canal on a severely infected molar. The patient was worried it wouldn’t last. Six years later, I met that same patient, and the tooth was perfectly fine under the crown. Like with any medical procedure, complications can happen, but they’re not the norm.

7. Myth #7: “Recovery from a Root Canal Takes a Long Time”

Why the Myth Persists

Images of swollen cheeks, endless throbbing pain, and days off work come to mind when people think about root canal recovery. Part of this misconception stems from confusing a root canal with surgical procedures (like wisdom tooth extraction).

The Reality of Recovery

  • Mild Discomfort: You might experience tenderness for a few days as the inflammation subsides, but it’s typically manageable with over-the-counter painkillers.
  • Normal Activities: Most patients can return to their usual routines the same day or the next day.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Avoid chewing on that tooth until the final restoration (crown or permanent filling) is placed. This precaution helps prevent fracture.

Anecdote

A college student from Antop Hill was petrified she’d miss a week of lectures due to root canal recovery. She was delighted to find out she only needed to take it easy for a day or two. She was back in class, finishing assignments, and sipping on juices without any major pain. A far cry from the horror stories she’d heard online!

8. Myth #8: “Root Canals Affect Overall Health Negatively”

Historic Misconceptions

Years ago, a now-discredited theory suggested root canals could lead to systemic health issues like heart disease or arthritis. Despite extensive research disproving this, the myth persists in some corners of the internet.

Current Research Findings

  • No Proven Link: Multiple scientific studies confirm there’s no direct correlation between root canal–treated teeth and systemic diseases.
  • Risk of Untreated Infection: Conversely, leaving an infected tooth untreated can lead to severe complications, including abscess formation and potential spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Perspective

A senior citizen from Dadar once shared she was worried about potential “toxins” from a root canal. I walked her through modern research, showing how ignoring an infection is far more harmful. She proceeded with the root canal and had no systemic complications. In fact, her overall health improved once the infection was gone—her persistent fever and swelling subsided within days.

9. Myth #9: “A Root Canal Leaves the Tooth Weaker and Fragile”

Why People Think This

Removing the pulp may make the tooth feel “hollow,” leading some to assume it’s now brittle or at high risk of breaking. There’s also the notion that once nerves and blood vessels are gone, the tooth can’t handle regular chewing forces.

How Restoration Helps

  • Crown or Onlay: After a root canal, a crown or onlay is typically placed to reinforce the tooth structure. The materials used (like porcelain, zirconia, or metal alloys) can make the tooth very strong—sometimes stronger than before.
  • Standard Precautions: For the first few days, we recommend being gentle while chewing. But once the restoration is complete, you should be able to eat most foods normally.

Dentist’s Tip

I often liken the process to renovating an old house: you remove the damaged parts, shore up the foundation (the tooth structure), and then reinforce it with modern materials. Yes, the nerve is gone, but what remains is secure and capable, provided you maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. Many of my patients in Matunga and Ghatkopar, who are big foodies, enjoy all their favorite snacks post-treatment—without fear of cracking their teeth.

10. Myth #10: “All Dentists Perform the Same Root Canal Treatment”

Why This Myth Is Problematic

It’s easy to assume that a root canal is just a standard procedure done the same way everywhere. But the truth is, experience and technology can vary significantly from one dental practice to another.

Factors That Make a Difference

  1. Skill Level: Endodontists (root canal specialists) receive additional training and often handle complex cases more efficiently.
  2. Equipment: High-end clinics may use 3D imaging, rotary files, and specialized scopes to locate and treat even the tiniest canals.
  3. Personalized Care: A dentist who takes time to explain each step, manage your pain, and tailor sedation if needed can drastically improve your experience.

Choosing Your Dentist in Mumbai

If you’re from Sewri, Dadar, Matunga, Ghatkopar, or Antop Hill, you have plenty of options. Look for:

  • Credentials: Check if they’re certified in endodontics or have extensive experience in root canal therapy.
  • Patient Testimonials: Word-of-mouth from neighbors, colleagues, or online reviews can guide you to a reputable clinic.
  • Technology: Ask if they use digital X-rays or 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) for detailed imaging.

I’ve personally invested in advanced imaging solutions in my clinic. As Dr Pauravi Hegde MDS, I believe that technology, combined with skill and empathy, can make a world of difference in how comfortable and successful a root canal can be.

Conclusion: Clearing the Air on Root Canals

We’ve tackled 10 persistent myths about root canals—from the belief that they’re torturously painful, to the misconception that extraction is always the better route. In a city as dynamic (and sometimes stressful) as Mumbai, the last thing you need is misinformation preventing you from getting essential dental care.

Root canal therapy is, in many cases, the best way to save a damaged or infected tooth—restoring function while eliminating pain. With modern anesthesia, cutting-edge tools, and a host of skilled dentists (and endodontists) in areas like Sewri, Dadar, Matunga, Ghatkopar, and Antop Hill, you can expect a smooth, often painless experience.

Don’t Let Myths Shape Your Decisions

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, noticing swelling, or suspect you might need a root canal, consult a qualified dentist immediately. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of complications like abscesses, which are far more painful (and dangerous) than a routine root canal.

The bottom line? Root canals are a safe, effective, and often pain-free way to preserve your smile. Don’t let outdated tales or internet rumors keep you in pain. If you’ve been hesitant to visit a dentist, I hope this article has put your mind at ease. After all, an informed patient is an empowered patient—and that’s the best patient to be!

WhiteRock Dental Clinic
807 B, Lodha Supremus, New Cuffe Parade, Wadala East, Mumbai 400037, India

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