Has your dentist informed you that you are in need of a root canal? Root canal therapy is used to alleviate discomfort and save teeth that have been damaged and would otherwise need to be extracted. There is all sorts of misinformation floating around out there about root canals, including a myth that this procedure can cause cancer. Fortunately, this isn’t true. Continue reading to learn more about the origin of this myth and the truth behind root canals.
Where Did the Root Canal and Cancer Myth Come From?
While the myth of root canals causing cancer isn’t widely believed anymore, it still circulates on the internet. It all began from the research of West Price, a dentist in the early 20th century. He ran a series of flawed and poorly designed tests to suggest that root canals are a major cause of cancer and other harmful diseases. He believed that dead teeth that had undergone root canal therapy still harbored incredibly harmful toxins. He believed that these toxins acted as a breeding ground for cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and other conditions.
Why Isn’t the Myth True?
As you probably already guessed, the idea that root canals cause cancer is scientifically incorrect. There are a few major flaws with Price’s research. First of all, the conditions for his experiments were poorly controlled and took place in nonsterile environments. Also, no other researchers have been able to duplicate his results. No peer-reviewed controlled studies show a link between cancer and root canals. Ultimately, people who undergo root canal therapy are no more or less likely to develop cancer than people who have not.
How Do Root Canals Work?
When undergoing root canal therapy, the dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the area has been numbed, a small hole will be made in the enamel so all infected and damaged tissues can be removed from the inside of the tooth. Afterwards, the tooth will be cleaned and sanitized so that it is completely free of bacteria. Lastly, the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material. Many times, a crown is placed overtop of the tooth to ensure that it is safe from any further damage in the future.
If you have root canal therapy coming up, you have nothing to fear! The idea that root canals cause cancer isn’t supported by any valid research, and in the meantime, dentistry has advanced to include safer medical equipment, hygiene, anesthesia, and techniques. Your smile is in good hands!
About the Author
Dr. Med Dawoud is a graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He continues to expand his knowledge by attending dental seminars held throughout the world. Currently, he has a Fellowship with the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and he is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Essex County Dental Association. For more information on root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment at his office in West Orange, visit his website or call (973) 731-2200.