Does Undergoing a Root Canal Therapy Cause You to Develop Cancer?

Oral health is as important as the overall health, and these two are somewhat connected. Like any other area in the body, the mouth is filled with bacteria, which are mostly harmless. However, with the mouth as the entry point to the respiratory and digestive tracts, some of these bacteria can cause disease.

It is for those reasons why dentists typically recommend practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing the teeth regularly, as they help keep the bacteria in the mouth under control. One must know that inadequate oral hygiene may cause the bacteria to reach certain levels and result in several oral infections that may be needing to undergo particular dental procedures like root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy helps eliminate and prevent the infection from spreading further. But, no matter how beneficial root canal therapy is, it is one of the most dreaded dental procedures. This is due to the inaccurate information and rumors surrounding it that cause people to frown or wince upon hearing that they need to undergo the procedure. Some people even believe that having root canal therapy causes cancer.

The truth about root canal therapy and cancer

Over the years, some people still believe that there is a connection between root canals and breast cancer or other forms of cancer. This belief started way back in the early 1900s. During the 1920s, Dr. Weston Price presented research claiming that bacteria left in the mouth after a root canal therapy can spread throughout the body, contributing to the development of cancer and other diseases—this was known as the focal infection theory.

However, this idea has long been debunked since there is no valid, scientific evidence that supports the said claims. Decades of research have discredited the findings of Dr. Price since then. Furthermore, the reviews of focal infection theory studies indicated that it lacks the use of control groups and other standard requirements of modern scientific research.

In conclusion, root canal therapy is a safe procedure, and the focal infection theory is merely a myth. With the continuing advancements in technology and techniques or methods used in dentistry, root canal therapy have become a more predictable, successful treatment than ever. That is why people should have no reason to dread the procedure anymore, as it will not lead to the development of any form of cancer.

For inquiries about Root Canal Therapy in Lagrangeville, NY, contact us here at Town Center Dental of LaGrange. You can also visit us at 1110 State Route 55, Suite 107, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.