Debunking Root Canal Myths: What It Really Is and Why It’s Done

When it comes to health and medical treatments, especially those involving teeth, emotions often play a significant role in how we perceive and respond to various options. Many people form strong opinions about health procedures based on personal stories or anecdotal claims from friends and family. Root Canal Treatments have garnered their share of myths and misconceptions, often fuelled by unverified information. This misinformation can lead to fear and mistrust of a procedure that is, in fact, highly effective and safe.

The purpose of this blog is not to dissuade anyone from their beliefs; however, it’s important to distinguish between personal anecdotes and peer-reviewed scientific evidence. Avoiding necessary dental treatment based on misconceptions can lead to severe health issues. For instance, ignoring an infected tooth may allow the infection to spread, potentially affecting nearby teeth, the jawbone, and even other parts of the body in extreme cases. In addition to worsening pain, untreated dental infections can increase the risk of more serious conditions, like abscesses or systemic infections that could impact your overall health.

Let’s look at what a Root Canal treatment really involves, why it’s done, and what the alternatives are. By shedding light on the facts, you’ll have a clearer understanding of this procedure and its role in protecting both your oral and general health.

What is a Root Canal?

A common misconception about Root Canal therapy is that the procedure leaves a “dead” tooth in the body, potentially creating health risks. However, a properly treated tooth is neither dead nor harmful. Let’s walk through the process of a Root Canal and clarify why this treatment does not result in a “dead” tooth but instead creates a healthy, functional tooth “shell.”

1. Removing the Diseased Pulp

Inside a tooth lies a soft core called the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When decay or trauma damages the pulp, it can lead to infection, inflammation, and intense pain. Root Canal treatment addresses this by carefully removing the diseased or infected pulp tissue, essentially stopping the source of infection.

2. Thorough Cleaning and Sterilization

After removing the infected pulp, the dentist meticulously cleans and sterilizes the interior of the tooth, including the Root Canals. This step is crucial, as it eliminates any bacteria and prevents the spread of infection. Advanced sterilization techniques help ensure the Canal spaces are free of harmful pathogens, setting a clean and stable foundation for the tooth.

3. Filling and Sealing the Root Canals

Once cleaned, the empty canal spaces are filled with a biocompatible material, often gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance that fills the space previously occupied by the pulp. This filling material acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from re-entering the Canals. Afterward, the tooth is sealed with a permanent filling or crown to protect it from further damage or decay.

4. The Tooth as a Safe, Functional “Shell”

With the diseased pulp removed and the canals thoroughly cleaned and filled, the tooth becomes like a strong, hollow shell. Although it no longer contains the nerves and blood vessels it once had, the surrounding tissues continue to nourish it. The surrounding jawbone and gums provide blood flow and support, keeping the tooth stable within the mouth.

After a Root Canal, the tooth can still perform its essential functions in chewing and speaking, much like a natural tooth. Since the “diseased” part (the pulp) is removed, the tooth itself is now free of infection and poses no health risk to the body.

Why Get a Root Canal?

• To relieve pain and preserve natural structure: Root Canals are typically performed to relieve pain caused by infection or decay and to preserve the tooth structure.
• Prevents infection spread: A Root Canal prevents the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth or the jawbone.
• Aesthetics and oral health: Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain jawbone structure and prevents misalignment caused by tooth loss.

FAQ’s around Root Canal Treatment

1. Root Canal Treatment is Painful

• Infection or inflammation of the dental pulp can be very painful; Root Canal Treatment relieves this pain by removing the infection and replacing the pulp.
• Modern Root Canal treatments are usually no more painful than getting a filling; the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.
• There may be some residual pain after the anaesthetic wears off as the mouth recovers from the infection; this can be relieved by standard over-the-counter painkillers.

2. The Root treated Tooth will need to be removed anyway so why spend the money?

• A tooth that has been properly Root Canal treated can last as long as any other tooth. This means that the canals have been properly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth has been correctly sealed. Problems absolutely can persist if these steps aren’t done correctly, or a patient chooses not to complete all steps.

3. A Root Canal-Treated Tooth is “Dead” or Harmful

• Vital Surrounding Tissues: Although the inner pulp is removed, the tooth is still anchored in living tissue. The periodontal ligament, gums, and jawbone continue to nourish and support the tooth, keeping it fully functional.
• Safe in the Body: Unlike a truly “dead” object, a Root Canal-treated tooth is not a foreign entity that the body will reject. It integrates safely within the mouth’s natural environment, posing no risk to overall health.
• Preserving Natural Function and Structure: Root Canals allow you to keep the natural tooth structure, which supports jawbone integrity, maintains bite alignment, and reduces the risk of complications associated with missing teeth.

Where did the Health-Related myth come from?

Many of the concerns about Root Canals stem from a century-old study by Dr. Weston Price in the 1920’s; his claims had already been debunked by the 1930’s and by the 1950’s, peer reviewed research was published conclusively showing his study was conducted with questionable research methods and practices that led to false results. Modern research, with rigorous scientific controls, does not support these claims.

There is currently no peer-reviewed scientific evidence linking a properly performed, successful Root Canal treatment to ongoing health issues. Root Canals are widely considered safe and are among the most researched and practiced dental procedures. When performed correctly, they effectively eliminate infection and restore the tooth without causing systemic health problems.

Alternative to Root Canal: Tooth Extraction

• When extraction is an option: Extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too damaged to repair. However, it’s often a last resort.
• Pros of tooth extraction:
  • Immediate removal of a painful or infected tooth.
  • Suitable when the tooth is beyond restoration.
  • Initially less expensive than Root Canal Treatment, however if the missing tooth is replaced by an Implant, Bridge or even a partial denture, the final cost may be similar or more expensive.
• Cons of tooth extraction:
  • Leads to gaps in the smile, affecting aesthetics.
  • Adjacent teeth can shift, leading to bite problems and potential bone loss.
  • Tooth replacement options, like bridges or implants, add to the cost and complexity.

A partial denture is the cheapest option to replace a missing tooth or teeth, however they come with a range of drawbacks.

Comparing Root Canals and Extractions: Pros and Cons

• Root Canal: Preserves the natural tooth, avoids the need for implants or bridges, and helps retain jawbone integrity. Is more expensive than extraction.
• Extraction: May offer a quicker fix in severe cases, but often leads to further dental work, as missing teeth require replacements to avoid long-term oral health issues. Is less expensive than Root Canal treatment.

1. Infection Elimination: Root Canal treatment thoroughly removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth. Advanced sterilization and filling techniques reduce the risk of reinfection. Studies indicate that properly done Root Canals are successful in eliminating the source of infection without posing further risk.
2. Lack of Evidence for Systemic Impact: Major health organizations, such as the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and the American Dental Association (ADA), support Root Canal treatment as safe and effective. Research consistently shows no correlation between Root Canals and diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, or arthritis.
3. Modern Materials and Techniques: Today’s Root Canal treatments use biocompatible materials and highly precise techniques, which further reduce the risk of complications. Newer technologies like rotary endodontics and improved imaging make the procedure more successful than ever.
4. Peer-Reviewed Research: Large-scale, peer-reviewed studies, such as those published in journals like the Journal of Endodontics and International Endodontic Journal, demonstrate that Root Canal treatments have high success rates with no association with systemic diseases. A properly performed Root Canal actually preserves the tooth and maintains oral health, which has positive overall health implications.

Conclusion

In summary, the purpose of a Root Canal is to remove only the damaged, infected tissue while preserving as much of the tooth structure as possible. By transforming the tooth into a stable, hollow shell free of infection, Root Canals allow patients to keep their natural teeth without risking health complications. The tooth isn’t dead; it’s a safe, functional, and effective solution for maintaining oral health.

While a small subset of individuals might experience complications if infection persists or if the procedure is incomplete, these cases are rare. Root Canals, when correctly done, are a highly effective solution for saving teeth and preserving overall health.

When looking at information advising that Root Canal Treatment is unsafe, check the qualifications & history of those making the claims and, importantly, check what those claims are based on. As with everything on the internet, don’t take anything at face value. And if you have an infected tooth & you’re offered Root Canal treatment, you can always say no – it’s your mouth!