3 REASONS WHY ROOT CANALS ARE NECESSARY AND VALUABLE PROCEDURES For many people, the mere words “you need a root canal” are enough to set off a feeling of panic. This does not need to be the case. This much maligned dental procedure is often necessary and has a lot of value. As far as how painful it is—with today’s modern dentistry, it’s really no worse than getting your run-of-the- mill filling. #1— A Root Canal Relieves Your Pain Many times when people go to the dentist for a toothache, it is because there is an infection deep within the root of the tooth. The pain can be excruciating—and is actually far worse than the root canal procedure itself. During the procedure, the area around the infected tooth will be numbed so you won’t feel a thing. Afterward, you’ll feel relief because you will no longer have a painful toothache! #2—A Root Canal Saves Your Tooth If you let a tooth infection go and do not seek treatment, chances are you will eventually lose that tooth.