Flexible dental finance with Tabeo
Claim the treatment with your insurance provider
Get started with a FREE Online Consultation
Follow us on Instagram for latest updates
Limited time Composite Bonding packages
CALL us
Referring Dentist
Message us

Do I Really Need a Root Canal? Common Myths Explained by Specialists

Common Root Canal Myths, Explained by Specialists

  • Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment Is Extremely Painful

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. With local anaesthetic and advanced techniques, most patients report significant pain relief, not pain.

Keywords: pain-free root canal London, gentle dentist Stanmore

  • Myth 2: It’s Better to Pull the Tooth Than Have a Root Canal

Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option.

A root canal:

  • Preserves your natural bite
  • Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting
  • Avoids more complex treatments like implants or bridges
  • Tooth extraction should only be considered when a tooth cannot be saved.

Keywords: save natural tooth Stanmore, alternative to tooth extraction London

Why Specialist-Led Root Canal Treatment Matters

Root canal treatment requires precision. Specialist-led care offers:

  • Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging
  • Thorough cleaning of complex root systems
  • Reduced risk of reinfection
  • Better long-term outcomes
  • At our clinic, complex cases are managed by experienced clinicians with advanced training.

Keywords: endodontist London, specialist root canal Stanmore, advanced endodontics HA7

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

  • The tooth is numbed for comfort
  • Infected pulp is removed
  • Canals are carefully cleaned and disinfected
  • The tooth is sealed
  • A crown may be placed for protection
  • Most treatments are completed in one or two visits.

Keywords: root canal procedure UK, endodontic care London

Why Choose Centre of Dental Excellence for Root Canal Treatment in Stanmore?

Patients choose us because we offer:

  • Specialist-led dental care
  • Advanced diagnostic technology
  • Gentle, patient-focused treatment
  • A strong focus on long-term oral health

We treat patients from Stanmore, Harrow, Edgware, Bushey, and across North West London.

Keywords: root canal treatment Stanmore, private endodontist London, specialist dentist HA7

Few dental treatments are surrounded by as much fear and misinformation as root canal treatment. Many patients search “Do I really need a root canal?” or “Is root canal treatment painful?” after being told they may need one.

At Centre of Dental Excellence in Stanmore (HA7), our specialist-led team believes that understanding your treatment is the key to confidence and long-term oral health. This blog explains what a root canal really is, when it’s necessary, and the most common myths, cleared up by specialists.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is a procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or severely inflamed inside.

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When this tissue becomes infected, often due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work, a root canal is needed to prevent pain, abscesses, and tooth loss.

Keywords: root canal treatment Stanmore, endodontic treatment London, infected tooth treatment HA7

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not all infected teeth cause severe pain. Common signs include:

  • Persistent toothache
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Recurrent dental abscess
  • If left untreated, infection can spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissues.

Keywords: tooth infection Stanmore, toothache dentist London, abscessed tooth treatment HA7

  • Myth 3: Root Canals Cause Illness

There is no scientific evidence linking modern root canal treatment to systemic illness. This myth is based on outdated research from over 100 years ago.

Today’s endodontic procedures are safe, precise, and evidence-based.

Keywords: safe root canal UK, endodontist London facts

  • Myth 4: If the Pain Goes Away, I Don’t Need Treatment

Pain may temporarily disappear if the nerve dies, but the infection remains.

Without treatment, bacteria continue to spread, increasing the risk of:

  • Abscess formation
  • Bone loss
  • Tooth loss

Keywords: untreated tooth infection London, silent dental infection Stanmore

  • Myth 5: Root Canal-Treated Teeth Don’t Last

With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years, or even a lifetime.

Success depends on:

  • Accurate diagnosis
  • Specialist treatment
  • Proper restoration (usually a crown)
  • Good oral hygiene

Keywords: long-lasting root canal Stanmore, root canal success rate UK

Root Canal vs Extraction: Which Is Better?

In most cases, a root canal is:

  • Less invasive long-term
  • More cost-effective
  • Better for jawbone health
  • Better for chewing and aesthetics
  • Extraction is considered only when the tooth cannot be saved.

Keywords: root canal vs extraction London, best option for infected tooth Stanmore

Do You Need a Root Canal? Book a Consultation

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or have been told you may need a root canal, early assessment can prevent complications.

Centre of Dental Excellence
46 Church Road, Stanmore, HA7 4AH
📞 020 8420 7407
📱 WhatsApp: 07400 080248