Root Canals Aren’t the Villain: The Truth About This Tooth-Saving Treatment

Here’s something you’ve probably heard a hundred times: “I'd rather get a root canal than do that.” It’s the classic punchline for anything miserable. But what if that root canal reputation isn’t just outdated—but completely wrong? Truth is, modern root canals are nothing like the horror stories you’ve heard. They’re safe, precise, and—believe it or not—relieving.

Root canals don’t cause pain—they relieve it. So let’s break through the myths and look at what this procedure actually involves, why it's often the hero in a tooth’s survival story, and how it could save you from much worse down the line.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Would You Need One?

To understand a root canal, let’s start inside the tooth. Beneath the hard enamel and dentin layers is a soft core called the pulp. This pulp houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected—due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma—it can lead to severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity.

A root canal becomes necessary when that infection risks spreading deeper or causing an abscess (a painful pocket of pus at the root of the tooth). Left untreated, this infection can not only destroy the tooth from the inside out, but also impact nearby teeth, bone, and even your overall health.

A root canal clears out that infection, disinfects the area, and seals the tooth to protect it.

The Root Canal Procedure—Step by Step

Despite its dramatic reputation, the procedure is typically straightforward—and usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

Here’s how a standard root canal works at a practice like Heritage Trace Dental:

Diagnosis & Imaging
Your dentist will take digital X-rays to see the extent of the damage and confirm that a root canal is the right solution.
Local Anesthesia
The area is completely numbed with a local anesthetic. Most patients report that this part is quick and easy—no different than a typical cavity treatment.
Accessing the Pulp
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp.
Cleaning & Disinfection
The damaged pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped using fine dental instruments. Antibacterial rinses are used to eliminate any lingering bacteria.
Filling the Root Canals
Once clean and dry, the space is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the canal and prevent reinfection.
Restoration
In most cases, the tooth will then be covered with a dental crown to restore its shape, strength, and function.

The entire process typically takes one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection and the condition of the tooth.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Sometimes, the symptoms are impossible to ignore—but other times, they’re surprisingly subtle. Here are common signs that may indicate a tooth is infected and needs root canal therapy:

Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Swollen or tender gums near the tooth
A dark or discolored tooth
A pimple-like bump on the gums

If you're experiencing any of these, it’s important not to delay. The sooner the infection is treated, the better the chance of saving the tooth—and avoiding more invasive treatments like extraction or implants.

Why Root Canals Are Worth It: Proven Benefits

According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 15 million root canals are performed each year in the U.S.—and most of them are successful, long-lasting solutions.

Benefits include:

Tooth Preservation – The best replacement for a natural tooth is… your natural tooth. A root canal helps you keep it.
Pain Relief – While infection causes intense pain, a root canal removes the source, offering significant relief.
Improved Oral Health – Eliminating infection protects surrounding teeth and bone from damage.
Efficient Recovery – Most patients resume normal activity the same or next day, with minimal discomfort.
Better Function – Once restored with a crown, the treated tooth functions just like the rest.

Contrary to the old myths, root canals are one of the most effective and conservative treatments in modern dentistry.

Are There Risks or Alternatives?

Root canals are generally very safe. However, like any medical procedure, there are rare risks—such as reinfection if the seal fails or complications if not all canals are cleaned properly. That’s why precision and experience matter.

In some cases, a root canal may not be recommended—for example, if the tooth is too damaged to restore. In that case, tooth extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge may be the next best option.

Still, most dentists agree: if you can save the tooth, a root canal is the best route.

Caring for Your Tooth After a Root Canal

Post-treatment care is important to ensure full recovery and long-term success.

Tips for healing and maintenance include:

Avoid chewing on the treated side until the permanent crown is placed.
Take any prescribed antibiotics or medications as directed.
Continue brushing and flossing normally.
Visit your dentist for follow-up and crown placement.
Call if you notice unusual swelling, pain, or sensitivity after several days.

Once healed and restored, the tooth can last for decades with good oral hygiene and routine checkups.

Root Canal Anxiety? You’re Not Alone

Fear of root canals is one of the top reasons people delay dental care—but it’s often based on outdated information or secondhand stories.

Modern tools, improved anesthetics, and calming options like oral sedation have completely changed the experience. Most patients describe feeling little to no pain—and are surprised by how simple the procedure actually is.

If dental anxiety is holding you back, be sure to talk to your dentist. There are ways to make the process stress-free from start to finish.

Think you might need a root canal or want to get that nagging tooth checked? Call Heritage Trace Dental at 817-741-4288 to schedule a consultation at our Fort Worth office. Relief—and a healthier smile—could be just one visit away.