When dealing with a severely infected tooth, waiting for the infection to heal on its own or relying on antibiotics won’t suffice. A root canal is the only effective treatment. Although the procedure boasts a 95% success rate, misinformation about it is not uncommon, including the belief that it can cause cancer. But is there any truth to this claim? Read on to learn more about how root canal therapy works and whether it poses a cancer risk.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
As mentioned before, a root canal is the only effective treatment for a severely infected tooth. Such infections often result from untreated cavities that worsen over time and allow bacteria to enter the tooth, affecting the pulp—the innermost part that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Ignoring the infection may cause it to spread to other parts of the mouth or body and may lead to the tooth’s death.
Root canals involve removing the infected or damaged pulp of a tooth, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and filling it with a special material. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and is relatively painless. After the root canal, a dental crown may be placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last a lifetime.
Do Root Canals Cause Cancer?
Weston Price conducted experiments in the 1920s to investigate the connection between root canals and diseases. He found that toxins were left in the tooth after a root canal, which he believed contributed to medical conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
However, modern research has debunked Price’s findings, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals cause cancer. Root canals remain a safe and effective treatment for infected teeth. According to a 2013 study, patients who underwent multiple root canals even experienced a 45% reduction in their risk of developing cancer.
As you can see, it’s clear that root canals don’t cause cancer. While a century-old study linked cancer to this treatment, it’s not true. On the contrary, root canals are a reliable way to remove infected pulp from a tooth and restore your smile as well as improve your oral and overall health!
About the Practice
Dr. Deborah S. Bishop is a highly skilled dentist who heads a team of oral health professionals in Huntsville. The team is committed to using their expertise to help patients achieve healthy and bright smiles. Whether you have an infected tooth or require other dental care, Dr. Bishop and her team are equipped to provide you with effective treatment. Their goal is to help you regain a pain-free smile and keep your teeth and gums healthy. You can set up an appointment with Dr. Bishop or learn more about root canal therapy by visiting her website or calling (256) 882-5161.