{"id":4003,"date":"2025-05-10T16:15:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T16:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atriumfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=4003"},"modified":"2025-06-16T16:19:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T16:19:43","slug":"do-root-canals-ever-cause-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atriumfamilydental.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/10\/do-root-canals-ever-cause-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Root Canals Ever Cause Cancer?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve heard the rumor that root canals can cause cancer, you\u2019re not alone; unfortunately, this is a myth that continues to circulate, leaving many people feeling anxious whenever they hear the procedure even mentioned. However, modern science, technology, and extensive research have all proven that root canal therapy<\/a> is both safe and effective\u2014and usually certain to address the root of a tooth infection, all without causing cancer or increasing a patient\u2019s risk! Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is the Root Canal Process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Root canals are performed to save teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or damaged, often due to an untreated cavity or intense physical trauma. Instead of removing the tooth entirely, your dentist will clean out the infected pulp and remove any damaged tissue, sanitize the tooth, and then fill it with a special, biocompatible substance. From there, a dental crown is usually placed on top to help the tooth function properly. Not only is this process surprisingly less painful than it sounds, but it also resolves the source of pain\u2014it does not cause any additional pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Root Canals Do NOT Cause Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, there is no scientific evidence that proves root canals cause cancer; in fact, this myth is based on outdated, debunked research from well over a century ago. Sadly, this misinformation has been widely disseminated, and even in recent years, people continue to perpetuate this rumor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists, and the American Association of Dental Research have all released public statements warning that these false claims can cause all sorts of dental issues. In fact, an untreated tooth that needs a root canal will likely eventually be lost! Note that untreated dental problems do<\/em> increase the risk for oral cancer.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Getting a Root Canal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some key benefits of getting a root canal include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n