If you have an aching or damaged tooth and have seen your dentist about it, there’s a good chance they recommended a root canal. Though this is a common procedure, many patients get nervous about it because they worry it’ll make their situation worse. Plenty of people have heard horror stories about root canals leading to other major health issues, like cancer, so hesitate to get the treatment they need. Fortunately, this is merely a myth. Other minor complications can occur, though, so it’s important to be well informed. Read on to learn more about root canals and the associated risks!
What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is the only means your dentist has to remove an infection from your tooth to save it. They create a small opening to clear out damaged nerves and decay, fill and seal it, and then cover your pearly white with a dental crown for protection. Without this procedure, your tooth will only worsen to the point that it eventually requires extraction because it won’t clear up on its own.
Why Do People Think Root Canals Cause Cancer?
Thankfully, you can safely assume you’re not going to develop cancer in relation to a root canal. This myth likely originated in the 1920s when a dentist named Weston Price suspected that leftover toxins in the tooth after this procedure resulted in additional medical concerns. After testing his hypothesis, he published information stating that these dangerous materials could cause more serious conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Though most dentists today reject his conclusions, several generations of people have been influenced by his initial assumptions.
What Are the Possible Risks of Root Canals?
Did you know that according to the American Association of Endodontists, over 15 million root canals are performed in the United States? That makes them a common, routine procedure and they’re not considered high-risk. In most cases, the root canal alleviates more problems than it causes because it eradicates the toxic bacteria and injured nerve endings that are giving you a hard time.
As with many other surgeries, though, there’s still the potential that you could develop an infection afterward. It’s normal to feel a certain amount of aching or tenderness for a few days after your procedure, but it’s time to call your dentist if you experience:
- Persistent pain that lasts longer than a week, especially if it flares up while pressing down on the tooth or eating anything hot or cold.
- Pus discharge that can be tinted green or yellow.
- Swollen, inflamed gum tissue around the injured tooth.
- A bad taste or foul breath resulting from the infection.
These symptoms point to an infection that will require a professional to help clean up.
It’s important to have your root canal sooner rather than later so it doesn’t worsen while you wait. Soon, you’ll be recovered and back to life as usual!
About the Author
Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz has more than 20 years of experience providing a wide range of oral care services to improve his patient’s dental health, including root canal therapy. He’s well known for being one of the top dentists in Los Angeles, and even assists other dentists in honing their skills by sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (818) 558-4332.
