Root Canal Myths: Separating Fear from Fact
Few dental treatments have a worse reputation than root canals — but the truth is, modern dentistry has come a long way. At Mustang Crossing Dental Care in Forney, we often hear patients say they’re nervous about root canals because of something they’ve “heard” from friends or movies.
The reality? Root canals are safe, comfortable, and incredibly effective at saving damaged teeth. It’s time to set the record straight. Let’s separate a few of the most common myths from the facts.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful
Fact: Thanks to modern techniques and advanced anesthesia, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.
The purpose of a root canal is to relieve pain — not cause it. Most patients who need one are already in discomfort due to an infected or inflamed tooth. Once the procedure is complete, the pain is gone, and the tooth is saved.
At Mustang Crossing Dental Care, we use gentle, precise technology and ensure you’re fully numb and relaxed before starting treatment. Many patients are surprised by how quick and easy it feels.
Myth #2: It’s Better to Just Pull the Tooth
Fact: Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option.
While extractions are sometimes necessary, nothing functions quite like your natural tooth. A root canal allows you to keep your original tooth, maintaining your bite alignment and preventing the need for costly replacements like implants or bridges.
With proper care, a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal and crown can last a lifetime.
Myth #3: Root Canals Cause Illness
Fact: This outdated myth dates back to research from the early 1900s — long before modern sterilization and infection control existed.
Decades of scientific studies have proven that root canals are completely safe. The procedure removes harmful bacteria from your tooth, not the other way around. In fact, leaving an infected tooth untreated poses a much greater risk to your health than getting a root canal.
Myth #4: Root Canals Take Several Appointments
Fact: Most root canals can be completed in one comfortable visit — especially with modern dental technology.
At Mustang Crossing Dental Care, we often restore your tooth with a CEREC same-day crown immediately after your root canal. That means no temporary crowns, no second appointment, and a fully restored smile in just one visit.
Myth #5: The Tooth Will Eventually Fall Out Anyway
Fact: When performed correctly and followed by a proper restoration (like a crown), a tooth that’s had a root canal can remain strong and functional for decades.
Root canal success rates are extremely high — typically over 95%. Combine that with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, and your treated tooth can last a lifetime.
What Really Happens During a Root Canal
Here’s a quick look at what you can actually expect during treatment:
Numbing: We apply local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort.
Cleaning: The infected pulp is gently removed, and the canal is cleaned and disinfected.
Sealing: The space is filled with a safe, biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
Restoring: The tooth is topped with a crown or filling to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
You’ll leave the office with your natural tooth intact — healthy, functional, and pain-free.
When to Consider a Root Canal
You might need a root canal if you experience:
Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to heat and cold
Swelling or tenderness around the gums
Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
A pimple-like bump on the gums (indicating an abscess)
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait — early treatment can prevent more serious complications.
Gentle, Effective Root Canal Treatment in Forney
At Mustang Crossing Dental Care, our goal is to make every visit comfortable and stress-free. Root canal therapy is a routine, highly successful treatment that can relieve pain, stop infection, and save your smile.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or think you might need a root canal, schedule an appointment today. We’ll answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help you feel confident about restoring your oral health — without fear.