For many people, hearing the words root canal can bring a little worry. But the truth is, the treatment is much easier than most expect. With modern care, patients are often surprised at how simple and comfortable the procedure feels.

A root canal isn’t meant to cause pain, it’s meant to stop it. By clearing out infection inside the tooth, this treatment relieves discomfort and helps you keep your natural smile. 

So instead of asking, “Are root canals bad for you?”, the real question is: What happens if you don’t get one? 

Do Root Canals Hurt?

One of the biggest reasons people fear root canals is the idea of pain. In reality, the procedure itself is not painful. What’s painful is the infection that makes the root canal necessary in the first place.

Your dentist or endodontist will use local anesthesia to numb the area completely before starting. Most patients describe the experience as similar to having a cavity filled. After treatment, it’s normal to feel some soreness or sensitivity for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all that’s needed. 

Can Root Canals Make You Sick?

Some people worry that root canals are linked to illness. This concern traces back to research from the 1920s, which suggested bacteria trapped inside treated teeth could cause conditions like arthritis or heart disease. Those studies were poorly designed and have long since been discredited.

Modern research shows no evidence that root canal procedures cause systemic diseases. In fact, professional dental organizations, including the American Association of Endodontists, emphasize that root canals are safe and effective.

What’s far more dangerous is leaving an infection untreated. When bacteria spread from a tooth into the jawbone or even the bloodstream, the risks become serious, ranging from painful abscesses to broader health complications. 

Is It Better to Pull the Tooth Instead?

Some patients wonder if extracting a tooth might be a simpler or even healthier choice. In reality, keeping your natural teeth whenever possible is the best option for your long-term oral health.

When a tooth is pulled, it leaves behind an empty space that can cause neighboring teeth to shift, affect your bite, and lead to jawbone loss over time. Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge, denture, or implant is possible, but these solutions often require more time, higher costs, and additional procedures.

A root canal, on the other hand, preserves the natural structure of your smile while eliminating infection. In most cases, it’s the more conservative and effective choice.

Will a Root Canal Last Forever?

Root canals have a strong track record of success. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a tooth treated with a root canal can last for decades, sometimes even for life.

If you received a dental crown to repair the damaged tooth, it may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, but the treated tooth itself is designed to remain functional long-term. In fact, many patients never have another issue with the tooth once the infection has been cleared and the tooth sealed.

So, Are Root Canals Bad for You?

The answer is no. A root canal is a safe, effective, and proven treatment that allows you to keep your natural tooth while eliminating infection. Its poor reputation lingers from outdated practices and misinformation, but modern root canals are nothing like the horror stories people imagine.

Schedule Your Root Canal in Centennial, CO

A root canal is often the best way to save your tooth, relieve pain, and stop infection from spreading. At Argyle Family Dental, Dr. Ava Khodakhast provides comfortable, modern treatment to protect your smile.

To book an appointment at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.

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