{"id":14379,"date":"2024-03-06T19:36:35","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T19:36:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/?p=14379"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:39:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:39:23","slug":"root-canal-and-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2024\/03\/06\/root-canal-and-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Will I Get Cancer if I Have a Root Canal?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"a<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When it comes to dentistry, there are many myths that dentists regularly have to dispel. Unfortunately, if they\u2019re not given the opportunity, many patients will forgo treatment and experience worsening oral health. One of the most common is the idea that a root canal<\/a> can increase a person\u2019s chances of developing cancer. Read on to discover where this myth came from and why you have nothing to worry about when it comes to undergoing this type of procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Cancer Myth Concerning Root Canals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2018, a film titled, Root Cause<\/em>, was released and featured an individual who claims his fatigue and depression were caused by a root canal he received when he was younger. Throughout the film, he speaks to doctors who also claim that these procedures can cause more widespread health-related issues, including cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After streaming the film on various sites, the film was removed after presidents of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, and the American Association for Dental Research cited no scientific evidence for these claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, more than a century ago, this same idea that root canals cause cancer was promoted by Dr. Weston A. Price, who performed research on rabbits. By removing a person\u2019s infected tooth and placing it into a rabbit\u2019s mouth, the animal apparently developed the same problem as the human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern doctors today also refer to Price\u2019s research, stating that root canals and breast cancer and closely linked; however, there is no identifiable research to back up this claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Truth About Root Canals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The reality is that while some people who have cancer may have undergone root canal treatment at one point in their lives, it does not mean that it caused the cancer in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process of a root canal focuses on removing the infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth\u2019s inner chamber. Once completed, it is then filled with a biocompatible substance before being sealed off and capped with a customized crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing to suggest that this common dental procedure leads to cancer of any kind. While more serious problems can form if the infected tooth remains untreated (i.e., increased pain, visible swelling, pus-filled lesions, etc.), it is safe to say that you do not need to worry about the possibility of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing more about root canals can help you feel more confident about this type of procedure, so if you have questions, don\u2019t be afraid to ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/strong>
Westgate Dental Care consists of a team of highly qualified dental experts who understand the intricacies of dental care and its effects on the body. While many myths keep patients from seeking professional oral healthcare, we do our best to debunk them so that individuals can take better care of their teeth and gums without unnecessary worry or concern. Visit our website<\/a> or call us at (847) 908-3684<\/strong> to inquire further about root canal treatment and any myths you want verified or dispelled.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When it comes to dentistry, there are many myths that dentists regularly have to dispel. Unfortunately, if they\u2019re not given the opportunity, many patients will forgo treatment and experience worsening oral health. One of the most common is the idea that a root canal can increase a person\u2019s chances of developing cancer. Read on to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nRoot Canal | Can it Cause Cancer | Westgate Dental Care<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you need a root canal but are worried it might cause cancer? 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