5 Myths about Root Canal Treatment | True or Floss Series 5

Dr Elyssa tackles common root canal myths in this episode of True or Floss, explaining pain, follow-up care, silent infections and modern treatment methods. She clarifies when root canal treatment is needed and why saving natural teeth is often the preferred option.

About The Video

In this episode of True or Floss, Dr Elyssa addresses widespread misconceptions about root canal treatment. She explains why root canal treatment is designed to relieve toothache rather than cause pain, outlining how local anaesthesia and calming techniques help patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

She also discusses the importance of follow-up care after treatment, including crowns and long-term reviews. The video explores why root canal treatment may be needed even without severe pain, how infections can remain silent, and why preserving a natural tooth is often more suitable than extraction using modern tools and imaging.

This video focuses on correcting common misunderstandings surrounding root canal treatment. Dr Elyssa explains that pain during treatment is minimal due to effective anaesthesia and that discomfort afterwards usually settles quickly. She highlights that teeth treated with root canal therapy still require protection, often with a crown, to prevent fractures during daily function.

A key topic discussed is that root canal treatment is not only necessary when pain is severe. Some infections progress quietly, presenting as discolouration, gum swelling or changes seen on X-rays during routine check-ups. Dr Elyssa also addresses the belief that root canal treatment weakens teeth, explaining that treatment decisions depend on how much healthy structure remains.

The episode concludes by explaining how modern techniques, microscopes and 3D imaging allow root canal treatment to be performed safely and predictably, making it a reliable option for preserving function and appearance over time.