Fact Check: Are Root Canals Silent Killers?
Claim
In an Instagram reel it is claimed that root canals are silent killers. The reel by the user camillevegan is captioned as "Yes they are. I’m a dentist and I have seen thousands of “failed” root canals - the abscess/infection overtakes the root canal treated tooth. Eventually ALL root canal treated teeth rot and fail. These teeth are the hardest to remove because they crumble - like brown sugar - and I have to surgically cut them out.
No. I’m not trying to give any personal advice on whether anyone should get a root canal. I simply want people to think; How can leaving anything dead in your mouth NOT cause problems? Each tooth is an organ w/ its own individual nerve(s). Dentistry is the ONLY profession in medicine that leaves dead organs in the body. The ONLY. FYI ....All root canal treated teeth will not exhibit abscesses; localized, encapsulated infection that is evident on an x-Ray, yet that does not mean residual/ongoing infection is not present. As a dentist, I’m merely treating the results of a far more endemic problem in our society - people are literally digging their graves with their teeth. Go vegan."
Dr Srishti Shrivastava, Senior Lecturer in Department of Orthodontics at People's College of Dental Sciences, Bhopal, said that "Root canal treatments are safe and effective, and there is no credible scientific evidence linking them to any systemic diseases. The myth that they are a 'silent killer' comes from old, debunked studies. Modern root canals are performed with strict infection control and benefit your long-term health.'
Dr Akansha Tilokani, Senior Lecturer in Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics commented, "Root canals are often misunderstood, but the facts speak for themselves: they are safe, effective, and backed by decades of research. Myths like “root canals cause cancer” or “all root canals fail” have been debunked, modern studies show a 97% success rate when properly performed and maintained. While root canal-treated teeth are no longer vital, they are thoroughly cleaned, sealed, and preserved, functioning just like natural teeth. Don’t let outdated misinformation prevent you from saving your teeth—trust science and consult experienced dental professionals."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The claim that root canals are a "silent killer" is not supported by modern science or credible dental associations. This myth often leads to unnecessary fear and poor dental decisions. Root canal therapy remains a safe, effective, and widely endorsed treatment to preserve natural teeth and prevent infection.
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