Can a Root Canal Damage Your Nerves? Let's Bust This Dental Myth! — By Dr. Malav Shah, MDS Prosthodontist
"Doctor, I heard that root canals hurt the facial nerves… is this true?"
Oh, the internet. It provides us with recipes, movie critiques, and sadly — dental myths that won't die. One of the most prevalent myths I hear as a dentist in Chandkheda is that root canal treatment damages nerves or causes paralysis. Let's put this to rest, once and for all
First, What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a safe and normal dental procedure that takes out infected pulp (soft tissue) from within your tooth and closes it up to preserve the tooth — rather than extracting it. It's similar to cleaning out a wound and covering it with a bandage, but in your tooth.
⚡So… What's with the Nerve Damage Rumor?
This rumor probably stems from mixing up dental nerves with facial nerves
* The nerve excised during RCT is within your tooth, without connection to your brain or face muscles.
* The facial nerves, which are the nerves in charge of expressions and feelings, pass through a completely different region and are not handled at all during root canal therapy.
* Advanced root canal procedures at TruSmile Dental Clinic are very accurate and very safe.
What About the "Side Effects"?
Mild numbness or discomfort after treatment? Sure, that's possible for a few days — just as after any small surgery. But ongoing nerve damage due to an RCT? Virtually unheard of if performed professionally by trained doctor.
✅ RCT = Relief, Not Risk
A root canal doesn't hurt you — it saves your tooth, ends the pain, and restores your confidence in chewing again.
Got tooth pain or infection?
Come visit TruSmile Dental Clinic, the place of the top dentist in Chandkheda. Let me, Dr. Malav Shah, assess and treat your tooth the safe, professional way — no myths, no nonsense!