When most people hear the words “root canal,” it’s usually followed by a wince. It’s one of the most misunderstood dental procedures—and unfortunately, a lot of those misunderstandings lead to unnecessary fear and avoidance. At Bold Dental in Tulsa, we’re here to clear things up. From what happens during a root canal to why it’s often the best solution to save your smile, we’re busting the myths and giving you the real story.
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful
The Truth: Root canals relieve pain—they don’t cause it.
This is hands down the most common myth—and the most outdated. Modern root canals are designed to eliminate the pain caused by infected or damaged tooth pulp. At Bold Dental, we use local anesthesia and advanced techniques to make sure your root canal is as comfortable as any routine dental procedure, like a filling.
If your tooth is throbbing, swollen, or temperature-sensitive, a root canal is often the only way to relieve that pain—and preserve your natural tooth.
Myth #2: Root Canals Make You Sick
The Truth: There’s no link between root canals and systemic diseases.
This myth originated from poorly designed studies conducted in the early 20th century, before antibiotics and modern sterilization techniques existed. Today, root canal therapy is one of the safest, most routine dental procedures performed.
Major health organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) have repeatedly confirmed that there’s no scientific evidence linking root canals to health problems like cancer or heart disease.
Removing an infected pulp and cleaning the canal system helps protect your health by removing harmful bacteria from your body.
Myth #3: It’s Better to Just Pull the Tooth
The Truth: Preserving your natural tooth is almost always the healthiest and most effective choice.
While extractions are sometimes necessary, a root canal is almost always the preferred solution when the tooth can be saved. Why?
- A natural tooth helps maintain bone density in your jaw.
- It keeps your bite aligned and functioning naturally.
- It prevents neighboring teeth from shifting.
- It’s usually more affordable than the cost of replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge.
At Bold Dental, we only recommend extraction when the tooth is beyond repair. Root canal therapy is a conservative, tooth-saving solution that maintains your smile’s strength and function.
Myth #4: Root Canals Take Multiple Appointments
The Truth: Most are completed in just one visit.
Thanks to improvements in dental technology, the majority of root canals can be completed in a single 60–90 minute appointment. At Bold Dental, we use digital imaging, rotary tools, and high-precision instruments to clean and seal the canals quickly and effectively.
For complex cases—such as severely curved roots, multiple canals, or retreatment—a second visit may be necessary, but we always strive to minimize your time in the chair.
Myth #5: If It Doesn’t Hurt, You Don’t Need a Root Canal
The Truth: Infection isn’t always painful.
You might be surprised to learn that some infected or dying teeth don’t hurt at all, at least not initially. That’s because the nerve inside the tooth may already be dead, or the infection may be contained.
Signs you may need a root canal even without pain:
- A darkened or discolored tooth
- A pimple-like bump on your gums (called a fistula)
- Swelling near the tooth
- A history of trauma to the area
- Changes in sensitivity to temperature
This is one reason why routine dental checkups and X-rays are so important. At Bold Dental, we catch these issues early, before pain and further complications arise.
Myth #6: Root Canals Have a Low Success Rate
The Truth: Root canals are highly effective, with success rates over 95%.
When performed correctly and followed up with a proper restoration (like a crown), root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime. At Bold Dental, we take every measure to ensure your treatment is thorough, long-lasting, and comfortable.
Even if a root canal-treated tooth becomes reinfected (rare), retreatment or a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy can often preserve the tooth.
Myth #7: Root Canals Remove the Entire Tooth
The Truth: Only the infected pulp is removed.
During a root canal, your dentist removes the soft tissue (nerve and pulp) from inside the tooth, not the tooth itself. The structure of your tooth, including the root and enamel, remains intact and is restored with a filling or crown.
This means your natural bite, smile, and chewing function are preserved.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Understanding the process helps take the mystery and fear out of the experience. Here’s what a typical root canal at Bold Dental Tulsa involves:
- Exam and Imaging: We take digital X-rays to confirm the extent of infection and plan the procedure.
- Numbing the Area: Local anesthesia ensures you won’t feel pain. We also offer sedation options for extra comfort.
- Creating Access: A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: Using specialized tools, we clean out the pulp and shape the canals for filling.
- Sealing the Canals: The space is filled with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) and sealed to prevent reinfection.
- Restoration: A crown or filling is placed to protect the tooth and restore its full function.
In most cases, you’re done in about an hour and free from the pain that brought you in.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After a root canal, it’s normal to feel some tenderness in the area for a few days, especially if there was swelling or infection beforehand. Here’s how to care for your tooth:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until a crown is placed
- Keep up with brushing and flossing to prevent future issues
- Schedule your crown appointment if it wasn’t done during the same visit
Most patients return to work or daily activities the same day.
Why Bold Dental Is Tulsa’s Trusted Choice for Root Canals|
At Bold Dental, we do more than treat teeth—we care for people. We know the idea of a root canal can be intimidating, which is why we’ve built our approach around comfort, clarity, and compassion. Here’s why patients across Tulsa trust us to handle their root canal therapy:
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments: Tooth pain doesn’t wait—and neither should you. We offer same-day scheduling for urgent cases, so you can get relief fast and avoid complications.
- State-of-the-Art Technology & Pain-Free Techniques: We use the latest digital imaging, rotary instruments, and precision tools to ensure your treatment is efficient, minimally invasive, and as comfortable as possible.
- Gentle Sedation Options: Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. Whether it’s nitrous oxide or oral sedation, we offer safe, calming options to help you relax and feel in control throughout your visit.
- Compassionate, Judgment-Free Care: No lectures. No pressure. Just a supportive team focused on your well-being. We’re here to listen, explain, and walk you through each step with patience and empathy.
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing: We provide upfront cost breakdowns and flexible financing options to fit your budget. Great care shouldn’t come with financial stress.
We believe dental care should be empowering, not stressful. If you’re in pain or have been told you need a root canal, we’re ready to help.
Don’t Let the Myths Win—Let’s Save That Tooth
A root canal isn’t something to fear—it’s something to feel grateful for. It means you don’t have to lose your tooth. You don’t have to live with pain. You do get to protect your smile and feel proud of your decision.
Book Your Root Canal Consultation at Bold Dental Today
Call (918) 922-2653 or visit us to schedule your appointment. Whether it’s a second opinion, emergency pain relief, or just peace of mind, you’re in good hands with us.Let’s bust the myths together—and restore your smile, boldly.
