From the Research
There is no scientifically established correlation between root canal treatments and cancer, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Background
Root canal procedures are safe dental treatments designed to remove infected pulp tissue from inside a tooth while preserving the tooth's structure. The myth connecting root canals to cancer stems from long-debunked research from the early 1900s by Dr. Weston Price, whose methodology has been thoroughly discredited by modern scientific standards.
Evidence
Contemporary dental practices use sterile techniques and materials that effectively eliminate infection. A study published in the Journal of Endodontics in 2025 1 evaluated the effectiveness of chemomechanical preparation associated with intracanal medication in reducing the total bacterial load of infected root canals in cancer patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment. The results showed that root canal treatment using rotary instruments, NaOCl irrigation, and calcium hydroxide medication was highly effective in reducing the bacterial populations in infected teeth with apical periodontitis from cancer patients, with no significant differences to controls.
Key Findings
- The study found no significant differences in the prevalence of bacteria between cancer patients and controls after root canal treatment 1.
- Other studies have also found no link between endodontic treatments and cancer risk, including a study published in the Journal of Endodontics in 2011 2 and a systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open in 2017 3.
- The American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and other major health organizations confirm that root canals are safe procedures.
Recommendations
- Root canal treatments should not be avoided due to concerns about cancer risk.
- When a tooth becomes infected, treating it with a root canal is actually beneficial for overall health by removing harmful bacteria that could otherwise spread to other parts of the body.
- If you're concerned about dental treatments, discussing your specific health situation with both your dentist and physician is always recommended.