Have you been informed by your dentist that you need root canal treatment? Root canal treatment is used to alleviate discomfort and save teeth that have been damaged and would otherwise need to be extracted. There are all sorts of misinformation out there about root canals. There is even a myth that they can cause cancer. The good news is that this isn’t true. Continue reading to learn where this myth came from and the truth behind root canals.
Where Did the Root Canal Cancer Myth Originate?
The myth of root canals causing cancer isn’t widely believed anymore, but it still pops up occasionally on the internet. It all started with research completed by Weston Price – a dentist in the early 20th century. He ran a series of flawed and poorly designed tests to suggest that root canal treatment was a major cause of cancer and other harmful diseases. He believes that dead teeth that had undergone root canal treatment still harbored incredibly harm 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 already know – the idea that root canal treatment causes cancer is scientifically inaccurate. There are various major flaws in Price’s research. Firstly, the conditions for his experiments were poorly controlled and took place in a non-sterile environment. 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, those who get root canal treatment are no more likely to develop cancer than those who have not.
How Do Root Canals Work?
When undergoing root canal treatment, your dentist will start by administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. After the area has been numbed, a small hole will be made in the enamel so all infected and damaged tissue can be removed from the inside of the tooth. Afterward, the tooth will be cleaned and sanitized so it is completely free from bacteria. Lastly, the tooth is filled with biocompatible material. Many times, a crown is placed overtop of the tooth to ensure that it is safe from damage going forward.
If you have root canal treatment coming up, you don’t have anything to fear. The myth that root canals cause cancer isn’t supported by any valid research. You can trust that your smile is in good hands!
About the Practice
At Attleboro Dental Group, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the North Attleborough community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. They offer root canal treatment, extractions, wisdom tooth extractions, and other specialty services. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (774) 331-0260.
