Can Dental Crowns Cause Cancer?

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Sun, 17 Aug 2025 11:24:26 +0000
Dental Crown

“Do dental crowns offer a cancer risk?” “Do root canals cause cancer?” “Are dental crowns safe?” “Do I have a risk of oral cancer with a tooth extraction?”

A quick search on Google leads many to worry about these dental procedures when, in fact, extensive medical research demonstrates that there is no cancer risk associated with them. If you need a root canal treatment or a dental crown, there’s no need to worry. Today, millions of root canals are performed annually with excellent safety records and no risk of cancer.

Many individuals share concerns about the safety of dental materials used in restorative dentistry treatments. Just as advanced sterilization techniques have eliminated the threat of bacteria, modern dental technology has enabled today’s dental crowns to utilize biocompatible materials. These high-quality materials undergo rigorous safety testing and are free from carcinogenic properties. Biocompatible materials used in dental restorations are designed to work harmoniously with the body. The different types of crowns include porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, metal crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, as well as custom-made crowns, among others. Lastly, there is also a concern about the BPA used in sealants, which may be linked to cancer; however, modern sealants do not contain BPA.

It is critical to debunk these medical myths to ensure proper dental care can be done. This brief blog aims to guide readers on the origins of these myths and the importance of receiving appropriate dental healthcare to prevent oral cancer.

Where Does the Myth Come From?

Extensive scientific evidence has shown that there is no link between dental crowns and the development of cancer. But where does the myth that these cause cancers come from?

The myth linking root canals/dental crowns to cancer stems from the research in the early 1900s conducted by Dr. Weston Price that has since been sensationalized and continues to hinder the dental community.

Dr. Price’s theory was that root canal-treated teeth harbored bacteria that could cause systemic health problems, such as cancer. Yet, this has since been thoroughly debunked. Dr. Price employed a flawed research methodology, lacked peer review, and has been consistently contradicted by more advanced scientific research since his study was conducted.

The Role of Proper Dental Care in Health

Regular dental visits, receiving necessary dental treatment, and maintaining proper oral hygiene practices are the most important ways to protect yourself against oral cancer, which is crucial for preserving your overall health. When you address issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or other risk factors early, you can prevent more severe health issues, such as gum recession, bone loss, and nerve damage, from occurring in your natural teeth.

The American Cancer Society also recommends that adults over 20 undergo oral cancer screenings every three years, and those over 40 undergo screenings annually.

Our dental professionals are dedicated to helping you maintain good oral hygiene and your overall health through preventive care and evidence-based treatments. If you are a new patient, please contact us today, as we want to ensure that proper care and regular dental check-ups become a routine part of your dental health.