Do Root Canals Really Cause Cancer? Unpacking the Viral Myth With a Dose of Reality

Guest post by Sanya Shukla

Imagine this: You’re sitting in a waiting room, nervously scrolling through your phone before a root canal appointment. Suddenly, you stumble across a blog post with a terrifying headline “Root canals cause cancer!” Your heart skips a beat. The appointment that was supposed to save your tooth now feels like a life-threatening decision. You start wondering… is this even safe?

That fear isn’t just in your head, it’s been planted by one of the internet’s most persistent and emotionally charged dental myths. Despite being scientifically debunked, this myth refuses to die. It’s shared in private messages, reposted in Facebook groups, and whispered between patients and relatives. But the truth is far less dramatic, and far more comforting.

Root canals do not cause cancer. And today, we’ll walk you through where this myth came from, why it still scares people, and what really happens during a root canal so you can make informed choices without fear.

A Century-Old Claim: The Weston Price Theory

This story begins over 100 years ago, with a dentist named Dr. Weston A. Price. In the 1920s, Dr. Price believed that root canal-treated teeth trapped harmful bacteria, which could then spread through the body and trigger serious illnesses like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

At the time, sterilization techniques were limited, and antibiotics didn’t exist. So, his concerns weren’t entirely unreasonable for his era. But science has come a long way since then.

Later studies thoroughly reviewed Dr. Price’s research and found it riddled with flaws: poorly controlled, based on outdated procedures, and unsupported by clinical evidence. His conclusions were discredited by both medical and dental communities decades ago. Yet thanks to social media and conspiracy-driven content, his theory continues to resurface, dressed up in modern fear-mongering.

What Really Happens During a Root Canal?

Let’s clear the fog and walk through what a root canal procedure actually involves.

Inside each of your teeth is a soft center called the pulp. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When decay, trauma, or repeated dental work causes that pulp to become inflamed or infected, it can be incredibly painful and dangerous if left untreated.

During a root canal, a dentist or endodontist carefully removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and fills it with a biocompatible material. Then, the tooth is sealed and usually topped with a crown to restore its structure and function. The goal? Not to “trap” bacteria but to eliminate it entirely and stop the infection at its source.

There’s nothing toxic or mysterious happening during a root canal. It’s a precise medical procedure designed to preserve a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

 What Science Tells: Us Loud and Clear

If root canals really did increase cancer risk, we’d see overwhelming data by now. But we don’t.

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have explored this myth, and all have reached the same conclusion: there is no scientific link between root canals and cancer. In fact, recent research has found that people who maintain their natural teeth with good dental care including root canals often enjoy better long-term health outcomes than those who have untreated infections or lose multiple teeth.

Organizations like the American Association of Endodontists and the American Cancer Society have reviewed the claims extensively. Their verdict? Root canals are safe, and the myth is unfounded. Full stop.

 Why This Myth Still Scares People

Even in today’s age of science-backed healthcare, the root canal myth thrives. Why?

Because fear spreads faster than facts.

When someone develops cancer after having a root canal even if the two events are entirely unrelated it’s easy to draw emotional connections. And when videos online tell dramatic stories with haunting music and medical jargon, they feel believable, even if the science behind them is shaky or nonexistent.

Many people already fear dental procedures, so this kind of misinformation feeds into those anxieties. It’s the perfect storm of pseudoscience and emotion creating doubt where none should exist.

This is why it’s so important to rely on accurate sources, ask questions, and consult an experienced dentist who can help separate fact from fiction without judgment.

 What Actually Puts You at Risk: Untreated Infections

Here’s the real danger of not getting a root canal when you need one.

If you avoid treatment because of a myth, the infection inside your tooth doesn’t magically go away. It deepens. It spreads. And it doesn’t just threaten your tooth it can impact your jawbone, sinuses, and bloodstream.

In some cases, untreated dental infections lead to facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and hospitalization. Infections in the upper jaw can even spread close to the brain. These are not rare cases; they’re real, documented, and avoidable with timely care.

Compared to that, a root canal is safe, predictable, and one of the most effective procedures in modern dentistry.

Modern Root Canals Aren’t What They Used to Be

If you’ve heard horror stories about root canals being painful or drawn out, rest assured: those days are gone.

With local anesthetics, high-precision tools, digital imaging, and new materials, root canals today are often as straightforward as getting a filling. Many patients say they feel more relief than pain especially when the tooth has been aching for weeks.

There’s also less need for repeat procedures. With proper technique and follow-up, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. That’s the power of modern dental technology paired with the hands of a dentist who knows how to use it well.

The Bottom Line: Let Science Guide Your Smile

Root canals don’t cause cancer. They remove infections, protect your health, and save your teeth. The viral myth, while dramatic and persistent, doesn’t hold up against decades of research and millions of successful procedures.

If you’re nervous or unsure, take time to talk through your concerns. Find a dentist who welcomes your questions. And remember, the internet might stir up fear, but real dental care is based on facts, not fear.

Trust the science. Trust your body. And if that tooth is hurting, get the care you need before it turns into something far more serious than a dental visit.