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Root Canal Safety

The effectiveness of root canal treatment is well-established. However, misinformation continues to circulate on the Internet that may cause patients to question the safety of endodontics. Below are AAE resources designed to help dental professionals advocate for good dental health and root canal safety. It is in the best interest of patients to understand there is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canals to any health problems, and also to understand the advancements in modern dentistry that make endodontic treatment predictable, effective and successful.

Watch our Root Canal Safety video and share it with your patients to help explain that endodontic treatment is safe and effective.

Use these resources with patients who inquire about misinformation they've encountered.

Member-Focused Resources

Root Canal Safety Fact Sheet
Explains the history of focal infection theory and research showing that there is no valid, scientific evidence linking endodontically treated teeth and systemic disease.
Launch Resource>>

Root Canal Safety Talking Points
Help address questions from patients about the safety of the endodontic treatment.
Launch Resource>>

The Truth About Endodontic Treatment and Your Health 
So let’s set the record straight: Root canal treatment does not cause any health problems.
Review Article>>

Patient-Focused Resources

Myths About Root Canals
Patient-focused information explaining the safety and effectiveness of root canal treatment.
Learn More >>

Tooth-Saving Tips
Patient-focused resource explaining why saving a tooth is the preferred choice for optimal health.
Learn More>>

Videos
View all of the AAE's patient education videos to understand more about endodontic procedures and the specialists who perform them.
Visit the AAE's YouTube channel>>

Other Trusted Resources

JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Study
Research found that a patient’s risk of cancer doesn’t change after having a root canal treatment; in fact, patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45 percent reduced risk of cancer. (Tezal M, et al. Dental Caries and Head and Neck Cancers. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 139(10):1054-60, Oct. 2013.).