From the Research
There is no scientific evidence that root canal treatments cause cancer, and in fact, root canal procedures are safe dental treatments designed to remove infected pulp from a tooth, clean the area, and seal it to prevent further infection. The idea that root canals cause cancer stems from outdated theories from the early 1900s that have been thoroughly debunked by modern research, including a recent study published in 2025 1. During a root canal, dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area, remove the infected pulp, clean the canal, and fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha before sealing the tooth with a filling or crown. The procedure actually helps eliminate infection that could otherwise spread to other parts of the body.
Key Points to Consider
- Root canal treatments are designed to remove infected pulp and prevent further infection, which can help reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with dental infections.
- The American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and other major dental organizations confirm that root canals are safe and effective treatments that help preserve natural teeth rather than requiring extraction.
- Modern research, including a study published in 2022 2, has shown that root canal treatments have high success rates, with weighted pooled success rates estimated to be 92.6% under 'loose criteria' and 82.0% under 'strict' criteria.
- The quality of evidence for root canal treatments is primarily based on study design, with randomized control trials considered to be 'high' quality of evidence.
Important Considerations
- If you're concerned about dental treatments, it's best to discuss your specific situation with your dentist or endodontist who can provide personalized information.
- Root canal treatments are a common and effective way to treat infected teeth, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that they cause cancer.
- The use of antibiotics in root canal treatments is occasional, but may be necessary in some cases, particularly when the general health condition of the patient is compromised, as shown in a study published in 2021 3.