Setting Things Straight: Do Root Canals Cause Cancer?

It’s a great idea to learn more about root canals before you get one. By knowing what to expect, you’ll have an easier treatment process. However, don’t trust any claims that root canals cause cancer; the underlying idea is a myth based on bad research. Your Blaine dentist will even explain why with truly solid evidence and reasoning. To that end, here’s a primer on root canals and how they don’t cause cancer or other health issues.

Remind Me: What’s a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that repairs damaged or infected teeth. In particular, it drills into a tooth’s center to clean and fill the canal areas.

A dentist often suggests a root canal when a tooth’s pulp – its central bundle of vessels and nerves – is infected. Left to itself, the infection would cause issues like toothaches, abscesses, or even bone loss. It’d also require a tooth extraction if it doesn’t receive care in time.

Will a Root Canal Cause Cancer?

Whatever you may have heard, the simple truth is that root canals don’t cause cancer. Anyone saying otherwise is relying on debunked science from dubious sources.

As for the source of the “root canal = cancer” myth, it goes back to a 1920s dentist named Weston Price. Following some tests he ran, the man concluded teeth that get root canals receive various toxins. Said toxins would supposedly cause conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer.

Of course, no peer-reviewed study has ever shown a link between root canals and cancer. There’s also the fact that Price’s work used unreliable methods, such as:

• Poorly controlled experiment conditions
• Tests performed in nonsterile environments
• Researchers being unable to duplicate his results

The Safety of Root Canals

Rest assured that root canals are perfectly safe for patients. Indeed, no meaningful evidence exists that they cause any kind of disease or ailment. They also don’t (or at least shouldn’t) lead to any aches or pains.

If anything, the cancer rumor is more harmful than an actual root canal. Believing it causes undue stress for many people – former patients, upcoming patients, etc. It could also motivate someone to skip treatment, resulting in health complications.

Doing research for your root canal is fine, but don’t believe root canals cause cancer. Just talk to your dental provider if you want the truth about treatment.

About the Practice

Imagine Smiles is based in the northeast part of Blaine, MN. Led by Drs. Green, Case, and Ellis, our practice takes a biological approach to dental care. That means we ensure your treatment helps your whole body, not just your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. This commitment leads to excellent results for patients of all ages, from kids to seniors! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (763)-269-8650.