Root canal?

momoschki

Not sure if this is the right forum to ask this question, however, I was Dx'ed almost a year ago with ADH and am now experiencing some trouble with a tooth that suggests I may need a root canal.  I have found a great deal of information about the possible connection between root canals and BC, but it is difficult to evaluate how much of this falls under the category of reliable scientific research, and how much is perhaps anecdotal or internet claptrap.

 Anyone have any evidence one way or the other?  Any research to cite?  I am trying to go beyond the "I had a root canal and then I got BC" kind of comments.  I am concerned that an endodontist will most likely recommend a RC, since this procedure is the basis of their practice.  Are there other alternatives besides pulling the tooth?  Anyone have any experience with so-called holistic dentists?  Are they legitimate?  Thanks! 

Anonymous

never heard of any correlation between root canals and bc

dlb823

momoschki, there were two recent threads here on this subject.  If you use the search feature, you should be able to find them.  I've done quite a bit of reading on the subject, and I've also delayed having a recommended root canal (not a good idea), partly because of my concern.  What I've personally come to believe is, if in doing the root canal, any bit of infection gets left behind and sealed in, then your body is constantly battling this hidden infection, which would impact your immune system's ability to be on top of any bc cells.  I don't believe, as some do, that having a root canal somehow causes bc.  But I do think that, for some of us, that added drain on our immune systems can set up a risk that could possibly allow bc or another illness to get a foothold.      

I will also be interested to hear from anyone who's actually used a holistic dentist.  I've had a really hard time finding one less than 85 miles away, and I live in an area where a lot of people are very health conscious and there are plenty of other holistic practitioners.  So I'm not sure why there isn't a holistic dentist here, and I haven't been impressed enough with the ads I've seen for those out of the area to make an appt.        Deanna

momoschki

Just received a reply from my ND addressing this issue. She concurs that it is not the root canal itself that is the problem, but rather the infection/inflammation that impacts the immune system. Also, apparently there is some evidence that there is an association between chronic periodontal disease and BC. That being said, I consulted with an endodontist today who thought a root canal was not merited in my case ( yet.)

loulousgal

I just found a holistic dentist and had my first appointment a couple of weeks ago. I have been looking for a practice like this for years and am thrilled to have finally found it. I've been pregnant or nursing for years and have delayed having a tooth pulled, and I suspected that the troublesome tooth was behind various symptoms. As I understand it, holistic dentistry is primarily differentiated from traditional dentistry in that hd focuses on how oral health impacts the rest of the body. For instance, it is already well documented that oral health significantly impacts the heart. As for the impact of root canals, my dentist explained the concept to me by sketching the cross-section of a tooth. He showed me that root canals can leave behind MILES of infected vessels, which, as explained by posters above, impacts the overall immune system. I'm having two teeth pulled in a couple of weeks; one is a previously root canaled tooth on the same side as the one that I knew to be an issue. Having that tooth pulled won't drastically effect my bite, so I didn't even ask about alternatives to pulling it (the infection sketch really resonated with me and I just want it out), but I did find this note on root canal therapy on a quick google search. 

This is my first post here; I was just doing some research on my options as a higher risk woman and the topic caught my eye. I definitely think holistic dentistry is legitimate, and I hope you all are able to find good providers near you. The link above is for an integrative dentist in New Jersey. I'm in North Carolina and happy to share mine if any of you are looking to travel.