There are many popular misconceptions about root canals floating around, and the worst one may be the idea that these procedures cause cancer. This persistent myth has long been discredited, but many people may forgo receiving a needed root canal for fear of it harming their health. Here’s why this painless and effective procedure is incredibly safe when performed by a qualified dental professional.
Why Do Some People Say Root Canals Cause Cancer?
In 2019, an Australian documentary claimed that there was a hidden link between root canals and cancer, which led to an uproar from the medical and dental communities and its subsequent removal from streaming services. However, this idea is much older than that. In the early twentieth century, one Dr. Weston A. Price suggested that root canals caused cancer in other areas of the body by exposing it to bacteria.
While root canals prevent dental infections, the claim that bacteria cause cancer has been thoroughly debunked. The truth is that there is no link established between root canals and cancer, but there is substantial evidence that the treatment can preserve compromised teeth and prevent a host of painful and destructive oral health issues.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Root canals are safe and painless procedures that can eliminate agonizing toothaches at their source and allow the afflicted tooth to last much longer than it would otherwise. When beginning this procedure, your provider will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain. They will then access the inside of the tooth, remove the infected soft tissue within, and sanitize, fill, and seal its inner chamber to protect it from further infection. You will probably also receive a dental crown to restore your tooth’s appearance and function.
After your treatment, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward, but this should be mild, temporary, and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, pain that persists or gets worse rather than gradually going away on its own over several days may be a sign of reinfection. These cases are rare, but remember to contact your dentist if this happens to you.
Don’t let misinformation about root canal therapy lead to further suffering and tooth loss. You can rest assured that this treatment is the best thing for your oral health if your dentist recommends it.
About the Practice
EMA Dental continuously raises the standards of dental care in Westfield. Led by Drs. Vincent Mariano, Lisa Emirzian, Karolina Migus, Paul Polo, Raffi Kazanjian, and Rebecca Cohen, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and excellent customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as root canal services. To learn more about the root canal process, contact the office online or dial (413) 568-1698.