How A Root Canal Can Actually Affect Your Overall Health

Written by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health  • 

What is riskier than pulling a lion’s tail when it’s hungry?

It is getting a root canal.

Alright, let me get a little more serious now.

Root canal, which happens to be one of the most common dental treatments, is not as harmless as it seems. In fact, it can take your life through things you would have never imagined (in a bad way, of course).

Hard to believe? Read this post – and that wouldn’t be the case anymore.

What Exactly Is A Root Canal?

Simply put, it is a procedure to replace the infected pulp in a root canal with an inert material.

In medical terms, root canal therapy is also known as endodontic therapy. Carried out in the pulp of the tooth, the treatment is aimed at clearing existing infection and protecting the tooth from subsequent infections.

Is The Treatment Painful?

Nope, it isn’t. (I am not lying)

The pain people face while undergoing the treatment is a result of the infection, and not because of the treatment.

*Good news*

You will be given a local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth and the surrounding area.

[ Recommended Read: 10 Effective Home Remedies For Root Canal Pain ]

Alright. But Is The Procedure Harmful To Health?

You bet it is!

Now, I know you are going to give me that what-on-earth-are-you-talking-about look – but that is the truth. You might wonder how something done to some part of your tooth can harm your entire body.

Well, let me explain.

Toxins, Bacterial Toxins

That is what root canals are home for – harmful bacterial toxins that can turn your life upside down.

And as a matter of fact, this truth has been hidden by the faculty of dentistry for nearly a century.

Don’t believe? The next time you visit your dentist, ask him about this, and he might as well hide under the table (or ‘fire’ you as a patient).

Keeping jokes apart, this is the fact – fear of license revocation is what prevents most dentists from disclosing this piece of information.

Is There Research?

Yes. Solid research.

In the year 1906, Dr. Weston A. Price did something quite remarkable in the field of dentistry. He collected root canal fragments and implanted them under the belly of about 60,000 rabbits. It was discovered that diseases that were travelling in the root canalled teeth could recur in the rabbits in a matter of weeks.

What’s more – it was discovered that root canals were one of the primary causes of heart disease.

Now that’s scary, isn’t it?

It was also discovered that over 72 percent of the patients with root canals had bacteremia (bacteria in the blood that were similar to those found in the root canal).

You had been thinking that the front tooth has just a single canal, which alone requires filling, hadn’t you? Here comes the bomb – the front tooth has as many as 75 (yes, you read that right) auxiliary canals, all of which require filling.

And you thought your dentist cleans and fills all the 75 canals? Yeah right. Especially when you yourself aren’t aware of it.

That’s Terrifying. But That Is All, No?

Ah, no. If that alone is terrifying, I have no idea what we should call this

Toxins from the bacteria in the root canal, along with mercury and the dental amalgam, actually have the ability to alter your DNA.

*What the hell*

Terrible things can happen to your DNA and RNA molecules. And just to keep things in perspective, RNA is responsible for creating proteins that make up your body. Mess up with RNA, and you are undoubtedly confirming your place pretty early in the graveyard.

If at all you end up altering the DNA of the germ cell (the sperm or the egg), your children, your grandchildren, and the entire coming generations will forever be altered.

Disclaimer: Alterations of this DNA are permanent, and cannot be reversed.

What Kind Of Diseases Are Associated With Root Canals?

Heart diseases, neurological disorders, ailments related to the liver and kidneys, breast cancer, arthritis…the list keeps going. Also, it has been found that over 90 percent of the people seeking treatment for dental related problems suffer from chronic fatigue.

Another new kid on the block that could be dentally related is meningitis, which is an effect of a few bacteria thriving in the root canals.

But Antibiotics Can Take Care Of Everything, Right?

Unless antibiotics are created by God, no, they can’t. This is because most antibiotics are bactericidal, which make the bacteria explode; only making things worse.

Also, antibiotics can destroy the beneficial gut bacteria, thereby dampening your immune system.

[ Recommended Read: How To Use Cloves To Take Care Of Toothache ]

Watch this video to know few effective home remedies to stop tooth decay:

So, Should I Never Get A Root Canal?

Yes. Never.

I mean, think of it – how sensible you think risking your health for preserving a tooth is?

And if you have already got a root canal, you better have it removed. (I am serious)

In case you have a tooth removed, there are a few options you can consider –

Partial Denture

This is basically a removable denture – the simplest and the least expensive option.

Bridge

A more permanent fixture that resembles a real tooth. But it is a little more expensive and complex.

Implant

A permanent artificial tooth typically made from titanium, which is implanted in your gums and jaw. But practice caution – there might be certain reactions in your body due to the metals used in the implant. Zirconium, a new implant material, can be a good alternative.

Trust us when we say all these options are much better than getting a root canal, which more or less involves pulling out the tooth and inserting an artificial replacement.

So the next time someone suggests you to get a root canal, you (better) know what to do.

Banner Image Credit: www.shutterstock.com

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles