When the pulp (nerve) of a tooth gets infected, there are only two treatment options: a root canal treatment to keep the tooth, or an extraction. Please consider these pros and cons of root canals before taking your decision.

Arguments AGAINST root canals

• Teeth consist of a series of dentin tubules and parallel enamel rods. Dr. Ralph Steinman, at Loma Linda University, proved that substances moved from within the body, through the tooth and into the mouth.

He believed this action to be a self-cleansing mechanism from the inside to the outside – somewhat like a fountain.

• The constant flushing of the tooth structure prevents the movement of germs into the tooth and prevents the destructive effects of acids formed by foods. At the same time, essential nutrients are introduced into the tooth to keep it healthy.

• When a root canal treatment replaces the pulp or nerve of a tooth, capillary action sucks bacteria and other noxious materials from the mouth or surrounding gum into the tooth (from the outside to the inside), leading to germ contamination of the tooth.

• Circulatory problems associated with ill health or aging also reduce the cleansing effect even leading to the flow being reversed from the mouth into the tooth.

• A root canaled tooth is a dead tooth. All dead tissue in the body is infected. This creates disease-producing germs that make potentially dangerous toxins – even if the root canal is treated.

• In the experience of Dr. Jerry Tennant, instead of germs entering the blood, these toxins from dental infections tend to follow acupuncture meridians and negatively affect the function of important organs on that meridian.

*To find out what organs are related to what teeth, visit the Meridian Tooth Chart on our website: /en/holistic-dentistry/meridian-tooth-chart/

Arguments iIN FAVOUR of root canals

When the pulp of a tooth is infected, the only option to a root canal is tooth extraction. And since we need teeth to chew our food to stay healthy, we must replace it with an artificial tooth ; implant, bridge or removable denture. Not replacing a tooth will lead to bite and posture problems and compromise chewing efficiency and your digestion.

When properly performed by a competent dentist or specialist, today’s root canals are painless. The canals inside the roots of the tooth are cleansed and sealed with rubber. When the sealed tooth is protected with a crown to protect it from fracturing, it can give many years of service.

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Which is best for you ? Because the implications of removing or not removing an infected tooth are so serious, the advantages and drawbacks of the treatment of each infected tooth must be first very carefully considered with a knowledgeable holistic dentist before any care is provided.

The patient must be aware that any course of action – or inaction – will be a compromise; there is no perfect solution. And we can help you find the best one for you.

Should you choose to remove the infected tooth, we will make sure the ligament around the root is totally removed to prevent cavitations. We then recommend replacing it with an implant or Zirconia (metal-free) bridge. Plastic dentures are a safe but less effective option.

For more opinions on root canal safety, please visit the following websites :

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/18/dangers-of-root-canaled-teeth.aspx

http://educate-yourself.org/cn/rootcanalcoverup02apr04.shtml

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/03/root-canal-alternative.aspx?e_cid=20140515Z1-CA_WNL_art_1&utm_source=wklynl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art_1&utm_campaign=20140515Z1-CA&et_cid=DM46196&et_rid=522000132