Scientific Review Raises Questions About Root Canal Safety and Whole-Body Health

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Infographic about the hidden infections in 40-60% of root canals which can link to systemic disease. GNWArticle contentLAKELAND, Fla., April 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) conducted and just released a comprehensive scientific literature review examining the health effects of root canal treated teeth (RCTT), a common dental procedure performed on millions of people annually. The report, titled “State of the Science on Root Canal Treated Teeth (RCTT)“, analyzes decades of research, drawing on more than 560 scientific references.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentArticle contentA root canal is a procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. During the process, dentists remove the inner tissue (often referred to as the “nerve”), clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it to prevent further infection.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentWhile root canals are widely considered routine and successful, the IAOMT review highlights concerns that treated teeth may still harbor hidden infections. These infections often produce no noticeable symptoms, meaning patients may be unaware of their presence. Research consistently shows associations between chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) a condition commonly found in RCTT and numerous systemic diseases. Although association does not prove causation, the consistency of findings across large populations raises concern about potential whole-body effects.Article contentThe report identifies links between RCTT-related CAP and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, and pregnancy complications. Scientists suggest these connections may occur when bacteria and inflammatory toxins from infected teeth enter the bloodstream and impact other areas of the body.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAnimal studies provide additional insight. These controlled studies consistently demonstrate negative systemic effects associated with RCTT-related CAP, including increased inflammation, changes in cardiovascular function, worsening metabolic markers, impacts on brain health, and alterations in immune response and gut microbiome. Because these experiments allow researchers to test cause-and-effect relationships, they offer important evidence about potential biological mechanisms.Article contentImportantly, the IAOMT found limited high-quality evidence supporting claims that RCTT are universally safe from a systemic health perspective. Current definitions of “success” in dentistry often focus on pain relief or tooth retention, rather than whether infection persists or overall health effects.Article contentTaken together, the IAOMT concludes that human studies repeatedly show associations between CAP and systemic disease, while animal studies demonstrate causal effects. At the same time, there is minimal evidence contradicting these concerns. This convergence suggests that chronic infection in RCTT may contribute to systemic inflammation and disease, particularly in susceptible individuals.Trending The Great Correction: not even Wayne Gretzky's hometown could escape the crash of the 'exurbs' Real Estate Forcing people to pay a moral tax if they leave the country won't inspire them to stay Personal Finance Trump Isolation Deepens on World Stage as Allies Rebuff, Condemn PMN Business Canada needs to invest $1.8 trillion over the next decade in six key sectors, says RBC News What is Anthropic's Mythos AI model and why does it have the financial world in a panic? Innovation Article contentHowever, the organization emphasizes that the issue is not simply whether root canals are “good” or “bad.” Root canal treatment can relieve pain and preserve natural teeth, but in some cases infection may persist and potentially impact overall health.Article contentThe IAOMT calls for improved diagnostics, such as advanced 3D imaging, greater awareness of individual health risks, and more open communication between patients and dental professionals. In certain cases, alternatives like tooth extraction may be considered.Article contentUltimately, the report advocates for a more integrated approach to dentistry—one that recognizes the connection between oral health and the rest of the body, and supports more informed, individualized treatment decisions.Article contentA photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b6830cbc-f691-4b19-894a-b255e722ba81Article contentA video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66577af6-202b-4671-91be-0fe0e819185dArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentFor more information or to schedule an interview, contact: Kym Smith IAOMT Executive Director (863) 420-6373 kym.smith@iaomt.orgArticle contentShare this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. 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