Nobody wants to be told that there’s an issue with one of their teeth—after all, going to the dentist is already pretty anxiety-inducing for many patients, and coupled with the news of needing something like a root canal, things can really start to seem overwhelming or stressful. However, you have nothing to fear; root canals are among the most useful of all dental treatments, but unfortunately, they have a pretty unfair reputation due to all sorts of falsehoods and myths floating around. One example is the idea that root canals can lead to cancer; here’s more about why this is completely untrue!
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures in the world; according to the American Association of Endodontists, around 15 million root canals are performed in the US alone every year. Despite their bad reputation, which is often exacerbated by pop culture, movies, and television, root canals aren’t just mostly pain-free, but they also allow a patient’s tooth to healthily remain inside of their mouth.
To put it simply, a root canal removes the compromised part of the pulp of a tooth that’s become infected or damaged by tooth decay or other injuries. The procedure itself is quite straightforward; after the patient’s mouth is numbed, the infected portion of the pulp is removed before the tooth is sanitized and sealed back up, and then covered with a crown to ensure its future integrity. Given that the alternative to root canal treatment is total tooth loss if things remain untreated, it’s safe to say that the procedure isn’t just useful, but life-changing!
Root Canals Don’t Cause Cancer at All
There are numerous myths perpetuated over the Internet that claim that this procedure is linked closely with the development of cancer. However, there are no scientific claims or data that effectively back this; the original flaw methodology tests or unfounded ideas that were used to initially make this claim have been thoroughly refuted and these days, the scientific community unanimously agrees that there’s no kind of connection between root canals and cancer.
The bottom line is that undergoing root canal treatment is one of the best things you can do for your oral health if you have a compromised tooth, and the procedure will not lead to cancer, period. While rare, it is possible to develop a tooth infection following a root canal. You should follow up with your dentist if you notice pus, warmth, severe pain or an unusual taste in your mouth following your procedure.
About the Practice
Our team here at Worcester Endodontics has proudly served the needs of patients and families in the Worcester, MA community for several years. We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of services including root canal treatment for patients with severely compromised and aching teeth. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or someone you know, feel free to contact us online or by phone today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-3636.