Root canal treatment has a reputation that is far worse than the reality. Many patients delay or avoid necessary treatment based on myths and outdated information, often allowing a treatable tooth to deteriorate to the point where extraction becomes the only option. Dr. Preethi at Sethu Dental Care in Madurai is here to set the record straight.
Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment Is Extremely Painful
This is the most widespread myth — and the most damaging one. The truth is that root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia. You will not feel pain during the procedure. In fact, the procedure relieves the pain caused by the infected pulp inside the tooth.
Modern rotary RCT techniques used at Sethu Dental Care make the procedure faster, smoother and more comfortable than ever before. Most patients are genuinely surprised at how easy it is.
Myth 2: It Is Better to Just Extract the Tooth
Nothing replaces a natural tooth. Extraction may seem like the easier option, but it leads to a cascade of problems — bone loss at the extraction site, neighbouring teeth shifting into the gap, difficulty chewing and the need for an expensive replacement such as an implant or bridge.
Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth. A tooth that has had RCT and is properly restored with a crown can last many years — often a lifetime.
Myth 3: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness
This myth originated from poorly conducted research done nearly 100 years ago that has long since been thoroughly debunked. There is no credible scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to illness elsewhere in the body.
In reality, leaving an infected tooth untreated is far more dangerous — oral infections can spread and, in rare cases, lead to serious health complications.
Myth 4: The Results Do Not Last Long
A root canal treated tooth that is properly restored with a crown can last many years, often a lifetime. The success rate of modern root canal treatment is over 95%. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, there is no reason why a treated tooth cannot serve you well indefinitely.
Myth 5: You Only Need RCT If You Have Pain
Not always. In some cases, a tooth that requires root canal treatment causes no pain at all — particularly if the pulp has died. The infection can still be present and spreading even without obvious symptoms.
This is why regular dental check-ups are so important. X-rays can reveal infections that are not yet causing pain, allowing treatment before the situation worsens.
Myth 6: Pregnancy Prevents You from Getting RCT
Delaying necessary dental treatment during pregnancy can actually be more harmful. Untreated oral infections can pose risks to both mother and baby. Root canal treatment can be safely performed during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester. Modern dental X-rays with lead shielding are also considered safe.
Dr. Preethi will assess your individual situation and time the treatment appropriately.
Myth 7: Root Canal Treatment Requires Multiple Long Appointments
With modern rotary RCT techniques, many root canal treatments can be completed in a single sitting of 60–90 minutes. Even complex cases rarely require more than two appointments. The days of 4–5 long appointments are a thing of the past at a modern dental clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of the tooth, swollen or tender gums and a persistent pimple on the gums. However, some cases have no obvious symptoms — which is why regular check-ups are important.
At Sethu Dental Care, most root canal treatments are completed in a single appointment of 60–90 minutes using modern rotary techniques. Complex cases may require a second appointment.
Many dental insurance plans in India cover root canal treatment partially or fully. We recommend checking with your insurer. We also offer EMI options for patients without coverage.
After RCT, the tooth is typically restored with a dental crown to protect it and restore full function. You may experience mild soreness for 2–3 days post-procedure, which is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Consult Dr. Preethi at Sethu Dental Care, Madurai. Open 9AM–9PM all days including Sundays.