Reviewed by Dr. Brett Broda
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Reading time: three minutes
Being told you need a root canal can raise immediate concerns about safety, pain, and long-term health. Much of what people hear about root canals comes from outdated information or misinformation that no longer reflects modern dentistry.
Table of Contents
Are Root Canals Dangerous?
Modern root canal therapy is not considered dangerous when it is recommended appropriately and performed using current standards of care. The procedure is designed to remove infection from inside a tooth, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth structure.
Once a tooth becomes infected, the infection does not resolve on its own. Root canal treatment is a well-established way to stop the spread of bacteria and prevent more serious complications.
With today’s imaging, instruments, and effective local anesthesia, root canal therapy is painless, predictable, safe, and focused on patient comfort.
Why Root Canals Have a Bad Reputation
Root canals are sometimes viewed as dangerous due to outdated theories and misinformation rather than current scientific evidence.
Early research from the early 1900s suggested that root canal–treated teeth could contribute to illness elsewhere in the body. These claims have since been disproven and do not reflect modern dentistry.
Concerns are often reinforced by online sources that confuse untreated infection with the treatment itself. Because root canals are performed on infected teeth, the procedure is sometimes blamed for symptoms that were caused by the infection before treatment.
Advances in imaging, sterilization, and technique have made root canal therapy a safe and effective way to remove infection and preserve natural teeth.
When a Root Canal Is the Safest Option
When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, treating the infection is necessary to protect both oral health and overall health. In these situations, a root canal is often the most conservative option available.
Preserving a natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function, supports surrounding teeth, and protects the jawbone. After treatment, the tooth is typically restored with a dental crown to provide long-term strength and function.
Root Canal Therapy in Boulder
If you have been told you need a root canal and have concerns about safety or long-term effects, our team is here to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. We focus on conservative care, accurate diagnosis, and protecting your long-term oral health.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300, Boulder, CO 80303.
FAQs
Can a root canal cause health problems later?
When performed properly and restored appropriately, root canal therapy does not cause health problems later. Treating the infection helps prevent further complications.
Is a root canal painful?
With modern techniques and effective local anesthesia, most patients find root canal therapy no more uncomfortable than a routine filling.
Why do holistic dentists not recommend root canals?
Some holistic dental philosophies favor tooth removal over root canal treatment based on concerns that are not supported by current scientific research. In conventional dentistry, root canals are considered a safe way to remove infection while preserving a natural tooth.
Where can I get a root canal near me?
Broda Family Dental offers root canal therapy in Boulder, CO, with a focus on saving natural teeth and providing clear, patient-focused care. Call (303) 442-6141 to book an appointment.
