{"id":299,"date":"2025-02-20T13:53:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T13:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mysaginawdental.com\/blog\/?p=299"},"modified":"2025-04-08T13:56:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T13:56:17","slug":"5-dangerous-myths-about-root-canals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mysaginawdental.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/20\/5-dangerous-myths-about-root-canals\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Dangerous Myths About Root Canals"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For centuries, mankind has used mythology to pass its culture from generation to generation. Typically, these tales are a little wild and not meant to be taken seriously. But while most of us know that mermaids and unicorns aren\u2019t real, when it comes to modern myths, this type of misinformation can be dangerous. That\u2019s because in today’s world, it can be difficult to tell what\u2019s real and what\u2019s fake.\u00a0 In that spirit, here are five dangerous myths about root canals<\/a> that aren\u2019t true, and the real science you need to know to protect your smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Myth #1 You Only Need a Root Canal if Your Tooth Hurts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it\u2019s obvious that there\u2019s a problem with your tooth. You may notice a dark spot forming, or it could be in a lot of pain. But there are occasions when you could have an infection or cavity and not even realize it. The truth is, just because it doesn\u2019t hurt doesn\u2019t mean it isn\u2019t in danger. In fact, the absence of pain could mean that it\u2019s more damaged than you think. Thus, even if it doesn\u2019t hurt, if your dentist diagnoses an infection and recommends a root canal, it is important that you get one to prevent the need for an extraction or the infection spreading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2 They Could Cause Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There has been a dangerous rumor spreading online in recent years that root canals cause cancer. It started when a documentary was made linking the procedure to the filmmaker\u2019s illness. Since that time, several studies have been done to confirm this connection, but no link between the two has been found. Bottom line: root canals are perfectly safe, and do not cause cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #3 Tooth Extractions are Better<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tooth extractions are certainly a faster and more affordable solution to a tooth infection, however that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re better. The benefit of a root canal is that you get to keep your natural tooth for a lifetime. With extraction, you will not only have a gap in your smile, but you will then likely need to replace that tooth to prevent your other teeth from drifting, to restore your chewing capabilities, and to maintain clear and proper speech. Though unfortunately sometimes extractions are necessary, it is always preferable to keep your natural teeth if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #4 Root Canals \u201cKill\u201d Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever heard that root canals will kill your teeth by removing the infected pulp inside? While the truth that yes, cleaning it out is necessary to protect it and stop the infection from spreading to other teeth, it does not kill the tooth, it saves it! When your dentist extracts the damaged pulp, it is then replaced with a synthetic material called gutta percha. This keeps it healthy and prevents the infection from returning, so your tooth is fully functional and remains alive for years to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #5 Root Canals Hurt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you may be familiar with the old Hollywood trope where the character is healing from an agonizing root canal procedure, the truth is much less painful. In fact, not only will your mouth be numb during treatment, but you should feel less<\/em> not more discomfort after the numbing wears off. That\u2019s because when your dentist removes the infected pulp, the tooth will have less painful inflammation and will begin to feel better, not worse. While it may still be sore for a few days, it should be much more comfortable than it was immediately before your root canal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, while myths can be fun and entertaining, they can also be dangerous. Don\u2019t let these five fearsome falsehoods scare you away from protecting your smile with the help of a root canal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Dr. Rekuntla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla<\/a> was inspired to be a dentist from reading health sciences articles in his youth in India. He was fascinated by the connection between oral and overall health and it motivated him to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree! Today, Dr. Rekuntla is a proud member of the Army National Guard reserves and has been practicing dentistry here in the United States for many years. If you need a root canal, don\u2019t let myths and misinformation scare you away from protecting your smile. To schedule an appointment for a root canal with Saginaw Dental, please visit our website<\/a> today, or call us directly at 817-989-2832.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For centuries, mankind has used mythology to pass its culture from generation to generation. Typically, these tales are a little wild and not meant to be taken seriously. But while most of us know that mermaids and unicorns aren\u2019t real, when it comes to modern myths, this type of misinformation can be dangerous. That\u2019s because […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n5 Dangerous Myths About Root Canals | Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don\u2019t let dangerous misinformation about root canals prevent you from saving your infected tooth with this important dental treatment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mysaginawdental.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/20\/5-dangerous-myths-about-root-canals\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5 Dangerous Myths About Root Canals | Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Don\u2019t let dangerous misinformation about root canals prevent you from saving your infected tooth with this important dental treatment.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mysaginawdental.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/20\/5-dangerous-myths-about-root-canals\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Saginaw Dental Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-20T13:53:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-08T13:56:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mysaginawdental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AdobeStock_203366742-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"mysaginaw\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" 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