Few dental procedures carry as much undeserved fear as the root canal. Mention it at a dinner party in Mumbai and you will see people wince. But here is the truth: the reputation is decades out of date, and the fear is keeping many patients in unnecessary pain.

At Divine Smiles, we perform root canal treatments regularly at both our Bandra West and Lower Parel clinics. Let us address the five myths we hear most often.

The truth: Root canal treatment relieves pain — it does not cause it.

The pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain of the infection that makes the treatment necessary. By the time you need a root canal, the nerve inside the tooth is already inflamed or dying, which is what hurts.

The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia. You will feel pressure and movement, but not pain. Most patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Many tell us it was no worse than having a filling.

The truth: Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better option.

Your natural teeth are irreplaceable in terms of function and the health of your jawbone. When a tooth is extracted, the bone beneath it begins to resorb over time, which can affect neighbouring teeth and your facial structure.

A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth, which — once restored with a crown — can last a lifetime with proper care. Extraction followed by an implant or bridge is also significantly more expensive and time-consuming than a root canal.

The truth: Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments.

With modern rotary endodontic instruments and digital imaging, our dentists can complete most root canal treatments in a single visit of 60 to 90 minutes. Complex cases with multiple canals or curved roots may require a second appointment, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

The truth: This myth originates from discredited research conducted over a century ago.

A claim circulated online suggests that root canal treatment causes systemic illness by trapping bacteria. This is based on "focal infection theory" research from the early 1900s that has been thoroughly debunked by modern science. Decades of research and millions of successful root canal treatments worldwide confirm that the procedure is safe.

The truth: A dead nerve feels no pain — but the infection can still spread.

When the nerve inside a tooth dies, the pain may actually subside. This can give the false impression that the problem has resolved. In reality, the infection can continue to spread to the surrounding bone and neighbouring teeth, causing far more serious problems down the line.

If your dentist recommends a root canal based on X-ray findings, trust the diagnosis — even if you are not currently in pain.

Our root canal treatments are performed using rotary endodontic files, digital X-rays, and rubber dam isolation for precision and safety. Dr. Madhura Tare, who specialises in root canal treatment, takes a calm and thorough approach that puts even the most anxious patients at ease.

After the root canal is complete, we will place a crown to protect and restore the tooth to full function.

Experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity? Do not wait. Call our Lower Parel clinic on +91 93217 17165 or Bandra West on +91 96197 17165, or book an appointment online.