There has been lot of attention in the media of late about the documentary “Root Cause” which claims that root canal treatment causes illnesses like cancer and other degenerative systemic diseases. These claims are based on research that is more than 100 years old and has long been debunked.

Our patient’s overall health is our top priority. If it were true that root canal treatment caused systemic diseases, more peer-reviewed, scientific information would be available and root canal treatment would not be the preferred, safe and effective option to save teeth.

Data showing that “97 percent of cancer patients had root canal treatment” has not been published anywhere. These false claims only cause fear and confusion, which can be harmful to your comfort, safety, and your long-term health. Not only can it lead to causing delays in getting treatment, but it can also result in the loss of a tooth that would have been treatable.

It is important to ensure you are getting information and medical advice from sources that are scientifically credible.

For example:

• The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery) in 2013 found that a patient’s risk of cancer doesn’t change after having a root canal treatment. It was also found that patients with multiple root canal treatments had a 45 percent reduced risk of cancer.

• Also check out the “Myths and Controversies” section on the Canadian Cancer Society’s website – they directly address the myth “Do Root Canals Cause Cancer?”

For accurate information about root canal treatment, visit credible sources such as the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), Canadian Academy of Endodontics (CAE) and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Questions? Feel free to contact us at 403.263.6340! We look forward to speaking to our patients about their concerns and educating them about all treatment options.

Source: Joint Public Statement on Root Canal Treatment from the Canadian Dental Association and Canadian Academy of Endodontics