Out of the dozens of different kinds of dental procedures, root canals are probably the most misunderstood. The rumors about root canals have only grown since the advent of the internet. Very few people have a clear idea of what root canals are, thanks to widespread misinformation. One of the most popular myths is that root canals cause cancer. Is there any truth to this idea? Keep reading below as we answer the question, “Do root canals cause cancer?”
But First, What Are Root Canals?
To understand whether root canals cause cancer, it helps to have a basic idea of the procedure. Essentially, root canals are designed to heal severely infected or damaged teeth.
At the center of every tooth is a collection of nerve endings, blood vessels, and connective tissue known as the pulp. A cavity or crack in the tooth can give bacteria an opportunity to infect the pulp. Once the pulp is infected, the only option to save the tooth from extraction is root canal therapy.
During this procedure, your dentist removes the damaged pulp, replaces it with a synthetic material, seals the tooth back up, and protect it with a dental crown.
Do Root Canals Cause Cancer?
This myth has existed since the 1920s, when a dentist named Weston Price ran a series of experiments. He concluded that teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy still contained toxins that contributed to heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and other conditions.
However, Price’s research was extremely problematic. Some of its flaws included:
- The conditions of the experiments were not well-controlled.
- The tests took place in nonsterile environments.
- No researcher has been able to recreate the results of Price’s studies.
Nearly a century of dental research shows that there is no correlation between root canals and cancer. People who have had root canals are no more likely to get cancer than anyone else.
Why There’s Nothing to Fear About Root Canals
The idea that root canals increase your risk of cancer is a dangerous one. That, coupled with the misconception that root canals are painful, often deters people from getting the treatment they need to save their teeth.
However, root canals are nothing to fear. Many people worry that the procedure hurts, but your dentist will numb your mouth before beginning. In fact, the treatment is often about as comfortable as getting a simple filling.
Plus, not getting a root canal when you need one can result in the tooth having to be extracted. Not only can missing teeth make it hard to eat, speak, and smile, but replacing a lost tooth can be expensive. Save yourself money in the long run by getting a root canal when your dentist recommends it.
Any possible link between root canals and an increased risk of cancer has been long since disproven. If you need a root canal, rest assured your dentist will make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Kimber Holmes obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1992 from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. She has since undergone extensive training in many areas of dentistry, including root canal therapy and sedation to calm patients’ nerves. To learn more about root canals, visit her website or call (713) 946-5171.