5 Root Canal Myths Debunked

If any of your teeth feel painful or sensitive, you may need a root canal treatment. This is a very common dental procedure that has a high success rate, but it’s also one that many people feel anxious about due to misinformation.

Learning the truth behind these five common root canal myths could help to put your mind at ease. Your dentist can provide more details about what the procedure involves and the possible risks and side-effects so you can decide if you’re happy to go ahead with the treatment.

Myth 1: Root canal treatment is painful

Many people associate root canal therapy with pain and discomfort, when in fact the treatment can relieve the pain of an infected or damaged tooth. Delaying or avoiding treatment can prolong suffering.

With modern endodontic equipment and techniques, a root canal treatment shouldn’t cause any more discomfort than having a filling or other common dental procedure – especially as your dentist will use local anaesthetic to numb pain during the treatment. If you still feel anxiety about the procedure, your dentist may offer more sedation options to help you relax.

Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days after the treatment, but pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication. If you still feel pain after a few days, or you have other side-effects, make an appointment to see your dentist.

Myth 2: A treated tooth will still need to be extracted later

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with over 90 percent of treated teeth still being functional after the procedure. This treatment avoids the need to extract a healthy tooth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth with a crown.

A tooth that’s been treated with root canal therapy will usually last as long as other natural teeth, as long as you take good care of it.

Myth 3: You don’t need a root canal if you don’t feel pain

Painful and sensitive teeth are common symptoms of a tooth infection, but sometimes there are no visible symptoms. If your dentist spots signs of an infection during your oral health assessment, they will usually recommend a root canal to prevent the infection from getting worse or spreading to other teeth.

Myth 4: Root canal therapy causes illness

The link between root canal treatments and illness in other parts of the body is based on invalid and outdated research. There is no valid scientific evidence supporting this claim.

Dentists take steps to prevent infection at every stage of the root canal procedure, making sure all bacteria is removed from the tooth before sealing with a crown or filling. However, there is still a minor risk of re-infection.

Myth 5: Extraction is preferable to root canal treatment

Dentists always prefer to save a healthy tooth if possible, and will recommend a root canal over extraction.

A missing tooth can affect your ability to chew and can cause surrounding teeth to shift and become crooked. If you choose to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant, bridge or denture, this will require additional appointments and expense, as well as an increased risk of complications.

Find out more about root canal treatment in Balmain

For more information about what’s involved in root canal therapy or to make an appointment, speak to our team at Dentistry by Design. Call us on 02 9810 5507 or contact us online.

Your Balmain Dentist

Book a consultation with our internationally-recognised professionals at Dentistry by Design to discuss your options today. Call us on 02 9810 5507 to book an appointment.
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Rebecca Silveira

Rebecca Silveira

Practice Manager

Rebecca has over 25 year’s experience in the dental industry. 

Rebecca started her career as a dental assistant/front office coordinator. Through the years, she progressed into treatment coordinating and then practice management. 

She has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Her management & people skills allow her to provide support to the Dentistry By Design team day in, day out. 

Rebecca is passionate about dentistry and loves being privileged enough to be part of an amazing team that changes people’s lives!

Marianna Doumanis

Oral Health Therapist

Marianna completed a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University of Sydney in 2013. With a dual qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy she gained invaluable experience working in both public and private practice.

In July 2022, Marianna completed a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) at Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary.

Marianna’s aim is to foster a safe and reassuring environment by ensuring that all dental services provided are individually tailored to each patient.

She is a member of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapist Association, the Australian Dental Association, and a European state Dental Association.

In her spare time, Marianna is an avid rower, having won both state and national titles.

Marianna is currently working as an Oral Health Therapist whilst undertaking the Australian Dental Council Registration.

Kate Hemmings

Kate Beaumont

Oral Health Therapist

Kate completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2014.  As an Oral Health Therapist, dual-qualified to practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, she has a strong interest in preventative dental care and believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health.

Kate enjoys working with children and adults alike, educating, motivating and assisting in maintaining teeth for life. Her interest in continuing professional education helps her remain consistent with modern dental practices and progressive treatment plans.

Kate enjoys working in a thriving team and works effectively along-side other highly qualified professionals. She has an interest in the growing industry of cosmetic procedures and excels in performing these treatments. Her approachable and reassuring nature creates a positive dental experience for all patients.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants and travelling. She appreciates the simple pleasures of a coffee and a walk but also loves an extravagant day at the races with all her friends.

Nadia Azzi

Nadia Azzi

Oral Health Therapist

Nadia completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2012. With a passion for preventative dentistry and treating children Nadia has a keen focus on providing pain free, thorough treatment for all patients. 

An experienced Oral Health Therapist who values patient care and is committed to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, Nadia is committed to staying up to date with the latest dental practices and treatments available. 

As part of the dental team, Nadia believes that the Oral Health Therapist’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining the oral health of patients of all ages. She has a passion for counselling patients with previous dental trauma and helping them through regular dental treatment as well as setting good foundations in oral health for younger patients and providing them with happy, fun dental experiences. 

Nadia has also served as director and dental mission coordinator for Maronites on Mission, a non-profit which helps the homeless in Australia and runs annual dental and medical mission trips to the Philippines and Lebanon. She enjoys charitable work immensely and is always looking for new ways to use her skills to help those in need. 

Outside of dentistry, Nadia enjoys spending time with and caring for her family, cooking and travelling.

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Specialist Periodontist
BDS(Distn), DCD(Perio)

Rebecca undertook her dental training at Otago University in New Zealand graduating top of her class with her BDS(Distinction) in 2011. 

Dr Teck Tang

Dr Teck Tang

Specialist Periodontist
BDSc Hons (WA) DClinDent (Perio) (Adel) FRACDS (perio) 

Dr Teck Tang graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia. He then completed his specialist training in Periodontics.

Dr Iain Gavan

Dr Iain Gavan

Dentist
BChD (Leeds, UK), MFDS, PGDipDigitalOrtho(UK) 

Dr Iain Gavan has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and provides the most up to date modern dental care in a calm and empathic manner. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients.

Iain is dedicated to continuing professional development in a rapidly changing field. In 2020 he completed a diploma in digital orthodontics, increasing his expertise straightening teeth with clear aligners (such as Invisalign).  He also spent time at the world-renowned Kois Institute in Seattle (USA) in 2018, which teaches the most up to date and highly regarded evidence based dentistry. He completed the Master Implant Program in 2022 at the renowned Brener Institiute in Sydney, which is a leading training centre in implant placement and tooth replacement.

Originally from Lancashire in North West England, Iain qualified from Leeds University in the UK. He has spent time working in a Maxillofacial department in Manchester (UK), gaining experience in oral surgery, facial injury reconstruction, head and neck cancer and dental emergencies.

Iain moved to Australia in 2014 and became an Australian Citizen in 2018. He has worked at distinguished private practices in Forster (NSW), Melbourne and Ballarat. Iain has worked at a state of the art clinic, that specialises in using advanced technology to digitally design smiles and replace teeth using the Allon4 implant system, gaining valuable experience in complex full mouth rehabilitations and the development of new smiles.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, The Faculty of Dental Surgery (UK) and was a member of Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow. He also carried out dental charity work in Southern India, providing dental care to remote communities.

In 2021 he welcomed his first daughter and is enjoying parenthood. In his spare time Iain enjoys spending time with his photography, travelling, walking his dog Murphy and exploring Sydney.

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Dr Jemima Kalos

Dr Jemima Kalos

Dentist
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I), Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours I), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) 

Dr Jemima Kalos is committed to excellence in Dentistry and the provision of outstanding dental care to her patients. Dr Kalos graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry with First Class Honours after completing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I) at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Kalos has also completed extensive continuing education in Dentistry in Australia and the USA including obtaining the highest mark and a distinction in the selective Post graduate Diploma in Oral Implants through the University of Sydney. She has also successfully completed her Primary examinations for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Dr Kalos has been presented with numerous awards for clinical and academic excellence in Dentistry including the prestigious Rudolf Gunz University Medal, The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize, The Martin Halas Prize and The John Stephen Hill Memorial Prize. Her special interests include restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics and implants and provision of dental treatment to anxious patients.

She is past Treasurer of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and also a member of the respected American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, Jemima has enjoys cooking, staying fit and spending time with her husband and three small children.

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