Few treatments carry a scarier reputation than the root canal — and few reputations are less deserved. Here are the myths we hear most often.
Myth 1: Root canals are extremely painful
Modern root canal treatment is done under local anesthesia. You'll feel pressure, but minimal pain — in fact, the treatment relieves the toothache caused by the infection. Post-treatment tenderness is temporary.
Myth 2: It's better to just pull the tooth
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term outcome. Extraction creates a gap that affects chewing and lets neighboring teeth shift — and replacing a missing tooth with an implant costs far more than saving it.
Myth 3: Root canals take many long visits
Most cases need 2 visits of 60–90 minutes. Additional visits are only needed for significant infection or complex canal anatomy.
Myth 4: A treated tooth is dead weight
A root-canal-treated tooth, restored properly (often with a crown on back teeth), can function for decades. Your dentist will advise whether a crown is needed based on how much tooth structure remains.
Myth 5: It's unaffordable
At Modern Smiles, root canal treatment starts at ₱13,000 for one canal, ₱22,000 for two, and ₱30,000 for three (typical for molars). Compare that with the lifetime cost of extraction plus replacement, and saving the tooth is usually the economical choice too.
The real takeaway
Lingering toothache, sensitivity that stays after hot or cold, swelling, or a pimple on the gums — these are signs to get examined now, while the fix is still simple.
Learn about saving your tooth or book an exam today.