Few dental words carry as much dread as “root canal,” yet most of that fear comes from stories passed down for decades rather than from what happens in the dental chair today. Myths about pain, illness, and tooth removal may keep people from care that could save a natural tooth, so it helps to separate fact from fiction before a small problem grows.
Our dentists at Dental Group of Chicago handle most procedures in-house, from checkups through our general dentistry services to root canals, and we know patients are busy. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can get answers without missing work. Here are the myths we hear most often and what the facts say.
Why Root Canals Have Such a Painful Reputation
Decades ago, tools and numbing options were far less advanced, and the reputation stuck. Today, the pain most people blame on a root canal usually comes from the infected tooth itself, not the treatment. Root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue inside the tooth, which is why many patients feel relief afterward.
We start by numbing the area with local anesthetic, so you may feel pressure but should not feel pain. If you do feel anything, tell us right away, and we can adjust. Mild soreness for a few days is common and can often be managed with over-the-counter medicine. Our comfort menu may help the visit feel easier too, with heated blankets, neck pillows, Netflix, eucalyptus wipes, and a coffee bar.
Do Root Canals Cause Cancer or Other Illness?
Online claims say root canals release toxins or cause serious disease, but these ideas trace back to flawed research from the early 1900s. According to the American Association of Endodontists, no credible scientific evidence links root canal treatment to cancer, and success rates often exceed 90 percent.
The bigger risk is leaving an infection alone. An infected tooth does not heal on its own, and delaying care may lead to swelling, an abscess, or tooth loss. A root canal cleans out the infection and seals the tooth, which may help you avoid more complex and costly treatment later.
Is Pulling the Tooth Really the Better Option?
Some patients assume extraction is simpler, but a missing tooth often calls for a bridge or implant later, and nearby teeth may shift into the gap. Keeping your natural tooth helps protect your bite, your jawbone, and your ability to chew comfortably. It may also help you avoid the added surgery, healing time, and cost that replacement options can bring.
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved, and in those cases we offer tooth extraction with a plan for replacing it. When a root canal is an option, back teeth often benefit from a dental crown afterward for added strength, and our guide on how to protect your tooth after a root canal explains the next steps.
Why a Quiet Tooth Can Still Need Attention
Many people believe no pain means no problem, but infected or damaged tooth pulp can exist without a toothache. Watch for these signs, which may point to a problem inside the tooth:
- Lingering sensitivity: hot or cold drinks causing discomfort long after the last sip
- Gum changes: swelling, tenderness, or a small bump near one tooth
- Tooth color: a tooth looking darker than the ones beside it
Spotting these changes early gives us more options, which is one reason regular cleanings can help prevent expensive root canals. If a tooth already hurts, our severe toothache care page explains how we help, and our approach to a dental emergency starts with asking how soon you can be here.
Schedule Your Root Canal Visit With Dental Group of Chicago
Root canal myths may keep you waiting in pain longer than necessary, while modern treatment is built to relieve it. Whether you are due for a checkup or worried about a tooth that has bothered you for weeks, our team is ready to listen and explain each step before we begin. Dental Group of Chicago is dentist-owned, a top implant provider for 2025, and a top 5% Invisalign provider, and our team is passionate about unreasonable hospitality from the moment you walk in.
We are in network with Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Guardian, United Healthcare, and more, and we are happy to file your claim, so review our insurance and financing options to plan your visit. Reach out through our contact form to schedule your appointment.
