AAE Updates Root Canal Safety Fact Sheet to Further Reinforce Evidence-Based Research
Root canal misinformation isn’t going away—but the evidence against it continues to grow stronger.
The AAE has updated its Root Canal Safety Fact Sheet(opens in new tab), giving members a timely, evidence-based resource to help address patient questions and misinformation about the safety of endodontic treatment.
The updated fact sheet reinforces decades of research contradicting the long-discredited “focal infection theory” and addresses the continued spread of root canal misinformation on social media. It also expands the conversation with emerging research examining the relationship between endodontic infection, treatment and systemic health.
What’s new?
The updated resource incorporates recent research, including a landmark two-year longitudinal study from researchers at King’s College London(opens in new tab) examining patients following successful root canal treatment. The study found significant changes in glucose and lipid metabolism and systemic inflammatory markers following treatment—adding to emerging evidence about the relationship between chronic oral infection and overall health.
The fact sheet also includes:
- New guidance for discussing root canal safety and misinformation with patients
- Emerging evidence related to endodontic treatment and systemic metabolic and inflammatory health
- Greater emphasis on collaboration between dental and medical professionals
- Updated research and references, including recent studies examining apical periodontitis and systemic health
- Practical resources members can share with patients who have questions or concerns
While emerging research continues to develop, the message remains clear: there is no valid scientific evidence linking endodontically treated teeth with systemic disease.
We encourage you to review the updated fact sheet and keep it handy as a resource for conversations with patients, referring dentists and other health professionals.
VIEW THE UPDATED ROOT CANAL SAFETY FACT SHEET(opens in new tab)
Together, we can help patients separate fact from misinformation—and reinforce the value of evidence-based endodontic care and preserving the natural tooth.