Can a root canal potentially be a health risk? i've heard conflicting opinions, and am really worried about having one done. should i be worried?

Not : Not sure i understand what you mean by a health risk. Typically this treatment is safe and effective way to save a tooth if done well.

Can : Can you be a little more specific? What exactly have you heard? On the contrary, there is more of a health risk not performing root canal therapy when necessary that having it done.

There : There has been some recent controversy and it sounds like that this is what you are referring to. At the risk of being controversial myself , i believe that some of the debate comes from the movement toward removal and implant placement for teeth once considered good candidates for root canal. This may in effect be an overreaction and condemn many teeth that could have been saved for many years utilizing conventional root canal techniques. Root canals have a long standing track record of being a safe and appropriate treatment. Choose a competent doc to do yours and you should be fine.