Extracting root canal teeth

[DebB]

My MD and Dentist recommend I have 2 root canal teeth extracted. I understand why, I'm just not jumpin' up and down with excitement at the prospect of having them pulled and all that it entails afterwards as in a bridge, crowning the bridge's anchor teeth, etc...

I'm interested if any of you have had your root canals pulled and your thoughts on having this done.

Thanks for your input! *Ü*

[gabriele]

My MD and Dentist recommend I have 2 root canal teeth extracted. I understand why, I'm just not jumpin' up and down with excitement at the prospect of having them pulled and all that it entails afterwards as in a bridge, crowning the bridge's anchor teeth, etc...

I'm interested if any of you have had your root canals pulled and your thoughts on having this done.

Thanks for your input! *Ü*

ok, i am (unfortunately) the QUEEN of dental problems from a lifetime of sugar and chocolate. :( My advise to you would be, if you can at all avoid it, do not get briddges, they ruin the anchor teeth, see if at all possible to get implants. They are very expensive, but they are there forever. I have eleven of them. Not a single one has ever given me a problem. It's $$$, some pain, but it's worth it in my opinion.

[DebB]

Hi gaby ~ Thank you for your post!

Sigh -- yes, I would love to get the permanent teeth! In fact, if I have my root canals pulled, the dentist that will do it is about 130 miles away and he also does implants. He'd do the first step right then after the extraction (if I remember correctly).

But you're right, it's very expensive. As close as I could pin down the receptionist - it would be roughly $5,000-7,000 for 2 implants.

Is this about what you paid? *Ü*

[gabriele]

Hi gaby ~ Thank you for your post!

Sigh -- yes, I would love to get the permanent teeth! In fact, if I have my root canals pulled, the dentist that will do it is about 130 miles away and he also does implants. He'd do the first step right then after the extraction (if I remember correctly).

But you're right, it's very expensive. As close as I could pin down the receptionist - it would be roughly $5,000-7,000 for 2 implants.

Is this about what you paid? *Ü*

Let's see......one implant, done right when they do the extraction, PLUS being sedated, is about $2000. So 2 of them should be around $4000. Remember that 6 months later you have to crown them. Each crown could be another $1000, each, (your insurance may pay for that but not the implants unfortunately) but you have a little time to save up for them. Both my dentists have a payment schedule where you pay a chunk at a time instead of the whole thing. So that might help. I don't think it should really be much above $2000 per tooth, and i'm in a major metropolitan area. Hope this helps.

[Ocean]

I will be having mine pulled sometime in the near future. I have a lot of pain in one of my root canals, have for several years. That root canal was from a bad cavity (dentist initally said nothing was wrong with the tooth and let it go too long).

I have 2 root canals in my front teeth which were done because I smashed my face into concrete when I was 12 and broke them badly, they did a root canal when I was 16. I wish I'd never had them done now.

Those don't hurt though, but I am trying to recover from Lyme disease and have read you need to get all mercury fillings out and root canals. Just not looking forward to not having front upper teeth at the age of 30.

I hope it goes well for you, can you post and let us know how it goes for you?

Take care,

Ocean

[DebB]

Thank you gaby and Ocean - I appreciate your posts!

Yes, if I decide to 'go ahead' and get them out, I'll post back. I believe I should get it done, just dragging my feet... *Ü*

[snoops]

I have always wondered if implants were better than root canals. I have three root canals and have been thinking about getting implants instead. I understand all the problems with root canals.

HOWEVER, my mother in law had 5 implants and she now has polymyalgia. Which she never had before the dental work and she is convinced that it is from them. She is considering having the implants removed.

It makes sense to me that if root canals allow some anaerobic bugs to live, which can create health problems, why not with an implant too. So far, touch wood, I have no health issues with my 3 root canals but I will think twice about another one.

[DebB]

I've also read negatives about implants... *Ü*

[ginadj]

my husband went from root canals to bridges and finally 2 implants and said it was the best thing he ever did!

he had his crowns break, bridge fall out, nothing they did stayed longer than 1-2 years - the implants are great because they are forever! It has been a couple of years and I am not sure what the price was - but the dentist gave me a quote, we pondered it, him'd and haw'd and finally said no, asked the dentisit if he would do it for less and he did!!!

[DebB]

Wow ginadj ~ I never thought about dental care prices being negotiable! Thanks for sharing that! *Ü*

[Colorawdo girl]

most prices of lotsa stuff negotiable,just gotta ask....hahaaha

[greenday]

Is there something wrong with the two teeth you have root canals in? Of course, if the root canaled teeth need to be fixed, then don't ignore them because it will only get worse (and more expensive to fix) over time.

I just haven't heard of too many problems with root canals if they've been done properly -and- crowned properly -- should last a LONG time. So, I'm wondering what's going on with two of yours at the same time?

First rule of dentistry - be conservative. You always want to preserve what you have first. Proceed cautiously - understand everything that's being done to you, make sure you are comfortable with your dentist/specialist, and make sure all of the costs are explained up front.

[gabriele]

the problem with bridges is that you have to file down 2 perfectly normal teeth to cement each side of the bridge in place. It's very hard to clean around and under this bridge. Eventually one of the teeth under this bridge will break or rot away, causing the whole bridge to collapse. And then you have the original hole, plus a broken tooth, plus a filed down tooth on the other side. Every one of my teeth that has ever had a root canal have eventually "broken" or rotted away, causing the crown to fall off, with the tooth underneath unable to support another crown.

After having numerous root canals i'm not putting myself through that terror or expense ever again. I've read that no matter what they say, there is bacteria deep in there that never can get thoroughly cleaned and it's very bad for your body. YOu have a root canal, then you have to get a crown, and then maybe in a few years, maybe in 10 years, the whole thing falls apart. For $1000 more you have an implant that lasts forever and you don't file down 2 normal teeth next to a bad one to get a bridge.

It's a downward spiral, teeth get a cavity, the cavities get deeper, decay more, the tooth needs to be crowned, eventually that goes bad, the tooth needs to be root-canalled, and then crowned again. Actually considering this, it's probably a bit cheaper to just pull it and put in an implant if you can.

[DebB]

Hi greenday ~ I understand what you're saying, and no - they're not giving me any overt problems. However, on my blood work, I have high fibrinogen (meaning thick blood, not a good thing) and my MD suspects it's the root canals causing this. I don't recall now what item it was on my blood workup that indicated a low grade infection, but he thinks that's because of the RC's too.

My 'regular' dentist is fit to be tied that I'd even consider having them pulled. But I switched dentists to one in town to have all the mercury removed. He also recommends having them pulled and having implants.

The oral surgeon I would go to (the one who's 130 miles away in Spokane) does more than simply remove the root canal tooth. He takes more of the surrounding tissue since (apparently) this is diseased as well from the RC.

Gabrielle - You've given me food for thought. At first, I thought they were just too expensive. But now that you mention this, I have had one bridge fail already because the anchor tooth failed. I was pretty upset and it's not something I care to repeat.

I'm still dragging my feet over the whole shebang - but I think it's time to give this more thought.

Thank you Everyone - I really do appreciate all input. This is not an easy decision for me. *Ü*

[greenday]

Deb I feel for you and this is a decision only you can make with time and thought into the process. Trust your gut and just make sure you do LOTS of research and ask lots of questions before proceeding.

I'm not a doctor, but I was a dental asst. I've seen many different dental situations at work, and also had the misfortune to need two root canals in my life. The first from a sporting accident when when I was 15 and had my front tooth knocked dead, literally. It's given me a lot of grief through the years, let me tell you - aesthetically with the crown on a front tooth not the root canal part which is just fine.

The 2nd....this should interest you. I had newly moved to CA and my new dentist persuaded me I MUST have my amalgam fillings replaced with white ones. I didn't know a lot then (I was very young and trusting) and let him do it. I was lucky for the most part in that in his manic craziness he did a decent job (I say manic crazy because he did all 7 across all four sides of mouth at the same time which I know now is not considered good practice). What I have leftover from that experience is 6 good white fillings that have lasted nearly 20 yrs (knock wood) and the not so good....one of my teeth died two days later from the deep drilling and it was the worst pain of my life, OMG, I shudder remembering it. I went to another dentist on a middle of the night referral from someone I trusted who fixed me up right.....at oh-dark-thirty in the morning because of my agony. And, the other thing I have is permanent jaw/TMJ problems from having my mouth blocked open too far for several hours unending during the great filling swapout.

Ok, so nothing remotely like that is going to happen to you, it was a bonafide weird occurence! But, the point I want to stess is this -- with dentistry be **conservative**. It really is a matter of don't fix what's not broken! Your dentist is right to be concerned about pulling the root canals.

As for the bloodwork....it's a theory, right, that it's the root canals causing it? The idea of anaerobic bacteria living in the root canal part has been a circulating story for many, many years. It's almost taken on urban legend proportions. Truth is, if done RIGHT this should not be a problem. Of course, it's always possible in a small percent of cases. A good dentist and/or endodontist should be able to do tests and X-rays to determine if you have any active pockets of infection in either of your root canals. I'd sure check and exhaust all the options of non-invasive procedures first before doing anything permanant!

Also, have you exhausted all other theories as to what can be causing your thickened blood? Is it possible it has nothing to do with your teeth?

Again, it is your personal decision, but without active problems in either tooth......please take your time and make sure YOU are completely satisfied and on board with the decision. Best of luck.

[DebB]

Wow greenday - you've also given me so much to think about! I so appreciate the time you (and everyone else) took to type out your thoughts.

Yes, My MD does suspect it's the root canals causing this low grade infection and the high fibrinogen level. He said it was based on his years of experience with his patients that have root canals. He said he sees it in his practice 2-3 times per week where his patients' health has improved (etc.) after RC extractions. The man is like a walking/talking encyclopedia with case after case - what a memory he has. He presents a strong case.

He likens it to having a diseased or dead organ in your body and not having it removed. He said every RC tooth is dead and he guarantees it's infected. He makes a strong argument. When I research online, I admit to getting more conflicting information - like most other things, I find information supporting my MD and dentist and plenty that says the opposite.

But you brought up such good points. I need to keep reading before I make a decision. Thanks again for your help with this.

***

Has anyone gotten root canals extracted for health reasons? *Ü*

[gabriele]

DebB You're probably going to get sick of all these answers after a while, but reading the posts i want to add one more thing.

And this is a hard one to do for some people: doctors don't know everything, and they are sometimes completely wrong with their advice, dentists, doctors, surgeons, you name it. I work in a hospital and i love my ER doctors, but just because a doctor or dentist tells me something does not mean it is the best thing to do. YOu have to unfortunately do a lot of research. My original and long gone dentist said he would NEVER put in any implants into my mouth. He's the one who did the bridge, that did last for about 10 years. You may say, well 10 years isn't so bad, but when it broke, i had TWO holes (one broken tooth and the original hole) and a filed down tooth on the other side. It would have been cheaper to just do the implant at the time.

So here's the other truth in all of medicine: it's all about the money. Yes, some really care about your health but the health industry is about money, making money, making sure you come back again to make more money, and so on. With an implant i didn't need my dentist for that tooth ever again, you can bet he didn't like that. When they want to be "conservative" with you it's because they know that a filling leads to a bigger filling, a bigger filling leads to a crown, then the tooth dies which leads to a root canal which also means another crown, then the root canal leads to a bridge which leads to failure and then more dentistry, it is an endless cycle of work from which the dentist profits and you have a bunch of teeth in various states of decay......their worst enemy is an implant and in my humble opinion if they try to talk you out of an implant it's because they are seeing future income vanishing from their offices.

My current, modern female dentist swears to me that her dream would be to pull out her OWN teeth and replace them all with implants, i almost fell out of her chair when she said that. She says that every time she sees me. She says they are forever, they are strong, she loves them. So she is being honest too.

my two cents (again)

[DebB]

Hi gaby ~ Oh I don't get tired of reading everyone's posts at all, ha - that's why I posted here. I love hearing everybody's experience and their own slant on things, always have :)

Yes - it's my doctor and dentist both that recommend implants. It was me dragging my feet on them solely because of their cost. And dragging my feet because I'm just not ready to have the RC teeth yanked.

Well, that and I remember watching a video by Dr. Mercola where he was sorry he'd gotten implants. I don't recall why though.

When one (of my 2) bridges failed, anchor tooth had to be pulled - I had to go with a partial plate. Well, what a pain in the patoot this thing is. I'm finally used to it - but like you said, it's all $$ that could have been put towards something more permanent.

LOTS of food for thought - I really DO appreciate your thoughts! *Ü*

[snoops]

The problem with root canals is that they can't get rid of all the bacteria even though they thoroughly disinfect the hole first. There are always apparently some anaerobic bacteria that remain that can cause health issues. I have 3 root canals and touch wood so far no health issues. But I don't understand how and implant is any different. They drill a hole in your jaw and stick a metal post in it. How do they thoroughly enough disinfect the hole they drilled so that the same thing won't happen. I appreciate that your jaw bone and gums grow around the post but don't they also grow around the root canal matter in a root canal?

[gabriele]

The problem with root canals is that they can't get rid of all the bacteria even though they thoroughly disinfect the hole first. There are always apparently some anaerobic bacteria that remain that can cause health issues. I have 3 root canals and touch wood so far no health issues. But I don't understand how and implant is any different. They drill a hole in your jaw and stick a metal post in it. How do they thoroughly enough disinfect the hole they drilled so that the same thing won't happen. I appreciate that your jaw bone and gums grow around the post but don't they also grow around the root canal matter in a root canal?

The way i understand it, a root canal is an enclosed space, with infected, bacteria-laden stuff inside the tooth, that the rest of your body can never reach in order to "fight" the infection. With the implant, number one, you may not have any infection at all, like when i had a tooth pulled and then waited a year to do the implant. But immediately after pulling a bad tooth,let's say, they drill this implant into your jaw, but as i understand it, it's an open space, there's no bacteria inside the titanium implant, i think any surrounding infection has a chance to be cleaned out by your body because it's not all enclosed. Plus you take antibiotics at the same time. My implants feel like invincible real teeth that are really strong, and i don't feel any sensation from the fact that they are screwed in my jaw. I wish i had not eaten decades worth of sugar to get into this mess, but it's done. :(

[snoops]

Isn't the hole where the post goes an enclosed space? Once the post is inserted how can they guarantee no germs went in with the post. Unless I am totally misunderstanding how an implant works.

[gabriele]

I see what you're asking, Snoops.

I guess what i am saying is: in a root canal, it is the inside of the tooth that is scraped out and sealed, leaving whatever microscopic stuff in there forever.

Screwing an implant in there, you clean out the space, put in the screw, but whatever germs are there, they are not INSIDE the implant, they might be around it, or in the gums, or wherever, but they are not permanently sealed inside something and then capped. The screw itself is clean and self enclosed, then crowned.......I have had bad infections from root canals that were done by endodontists that were highly recommended, that were then later implanted and have had no further problems. When the germs are stuck inside the root canal tooth, they are stuck there. Does this make any sense???

[snoops]

Ahhh. I see the difference. That makes me somewhat more relaxed if I ever have to replace my root canals with implants. ***fingers crossed that I don't*****

Thanks for explaining it for me.

[betty boop]

Yes, thank you for explaining everything. I have never heard of the RC issue, nor did I know anything about implants except that they are costly.
I have learnt alot reading this thread.

[Sunboy]

Thing is, we are so different from one another, and esp because of our body chemistry, etc. I have a bridge that has been problem free from '99 onward. I dumped fluoride toothpastes a decade ago, that helped. I too, have had two extractions and have decided after much research that an implant is the way to go. However, find a holistic dentist who understands. That kind of person will very often also take your financials into consideration (functioning from their heart, rather than their wallet/purse) and may work with you on the cost.

Root canals are teeth killers. All nutrition comes up from those roots and when they are blocked, the tooth - over time - is slowly dying. All my root canals ended up become extractions.

Nowadays i use tooth soap and a water pic and my teeth are wonderful.

[mommysunshine]

Deb,

have you considered just having it pulled and leaving the hole there? I know many people say your teeth will shift if it's not replaced with something but what if that isn't true? I don't know. I have a crown that fell off a root canal last year and it aches often. When I don't eat sugar or processed food it doesn't bother me as much. Anyway, I want the root canal out but am considering not having it replaced with anything. I wonder who has had teeth pulled without having any problem with shifting? :confused:

[pixie_333]

i was told last week by my new dentist i need a root canal within a year. i broke a moller years ago and more filling has come out breaking off again. they are going to fill it.. it's only 1 surface broken. i hear it hurts really bad getting one done.

i've been advised by a friend it's best to avoid root canals because it gets no oxogen and there's something else she said that's very important and i forget now. it wasn't about bacteria. she told me to get a second opinion.. get it filled and if it really can't be saved then just to get it pulled and be done with it.

so... does anyone know if getting a moller pulled is basicaly the same as wisdom teeth? the feeling etc. it was 20 years ago when i got my 4 removed and i had no pain from it afterwards and went out that night.

i really do not like the idea of having a missing tooth... but if it's better for my health and mouth and since it's a moller and not a front tooth... i think i'll go for the yank. plus to crown is 800 and who knows what the rest will be.

i'm really not looking forward to this!!!!!

[DebB]

Hi mommysunshine ~ Well, I've got two root canals and they're right next to each other, so leaving them blank would really impact how I could chew.

I've had extractions before where the tooth above it will almost immediatly start to drop to fill in that void. But you can't do anything until the gum has completely healed - so by that time, yes the tooth above had already shifted...

pixie ~ I just wanted to say that my root canals did *not* hurt. It used to be, back in the day - that a root canal was a 3-4 appointment procedure. Nowadays, it can actually be a 1 appointment procedure if your dentist has the latest equipment and can make crowns in his office (mine does...). It's a long appt - but it's just the one.

I would not want to go to the dentist of your friend who said it hurts so badly to have one done - gulp!

My previous dentist will no longer do any root canals. He said they do not last and patients then get so mad at HIM after spending all the money to have the root canal and then have it crowned. Well, duh - yeah! It's frustrating to spend over $1000 for this only to have it fail in the future. So, he stopped doing them altogether. Hmmm! *Ü*

[anneh]

Ok so here is my input on this subject. I am 71yo and unfortunately due to eating sugary candies and never knowing good dental hygiene (and NEVER going to a hygienist, I don't think they had them then) I have a mouthful of dental work. I had a mouthful of mercury for many years but fortunately no obvious problems from it. As the teeth needed re-doing the mercury was removed and teeth were either filled with composites or most of them were crowned. Almost 40 years ago I had a RC and its never given me a problem. About 10 years ago I had a total of 3 RC with no apparent problem (only one was abcessed which is where I think the possible problem with bacteria could be caused). Fortunately I went to a specialist in Baltimore who uses the usual Gutta Percha but also adds the one that holistic dentists recommend (name escapes me at the moment) to eliminate any problems plus of course I was on antibiotics for the abcess. I know alot of the info re RC comes from Weston Price and his writings which apparently are based on info from a long time ago. Frankly I would rather have my teeth than have them removed for fear of a RC which btw were virtually painless. Now my next step unfortunately will have to be implants but have researched and feel confident that they will be ok. Also heard that one can have dentures made and secured easily by putting an implant on each side of mouth to anchor them, sounds like a good solution when that time comes ;) In the meantime quite frankly I would not believe anyone who is probably out to make a few $$$ by removing people's teeth for no good reason, if ain't broke - don't fix it:D anneh

[pixie_333]

i didn't ask how long ago each of them got their RC, but one looks in early 50's and the other in 60's. everyone else agreed with the statement one made that if she could turn back time she would of just gotten it pulled. so it's more reassuring to hear from others that say it doesn't hurt. lol.

i see my dentist this week for a filling and i'll ask more questions.

thanks

[gabriele]

Ok, here i am again!! The dental queen!!

The people who want you to have root canals are the people who profit from them: the endodontist who does them and the dentist who fits you with crowns.

They might just last a long time, if you are lucky, but eventually they will crumble underneath the crown because they are dead teeth and they weaken and cannot hold up the crown any more.

My father always had really troublesome dentures, then one day he got 2 implants, one on each side of his mouth, and when that healed, the new dentures that were made were just glued onto the 2 anchor implants and he never had another problem with his teeth again.

I do know that if you just leave a hole, the other teeth will almost immediately start subtly shifting around. They are alive and they move and you chew and things move......

One more thing to consider: if and when you have a bad tooth that you decide to have an implant for, you go to the oral surgeon and he will pull out the bad tooth and in the same visit put in the implant (if you have enough jaw bone and don't have any other problems). I get sedated so i feel nothing and i wake up with implants, that heal for 4-6 months, then they get posts put on, impressions made, new crowns, and VOILA, you have a tooth that lasts forever. Worth it for me.

[Humanist]

My MD and Dentist recommend I have 2 root canal teeth extracted. I understand why, I'm just not jumpin' up and down with excitement at the prospect of having them pulled and all that it entails afterwards as in a bridge, crowning the bridge's anchor teeth, etc...

I'm interested if any of you have had your root canals pulled and your thoughts on having this done.



If you do have teeth extracted, INSIST that the periodontal ligament be completely removed and all infected bone cleaned out. Don't take it for granted that this will be done. INSIST on it! Otherwise you will surely get jawbone cavitations—gangrene of the jaw.

I am planning to have my root canals out because ALL root canaled teeth are toxic time bombs waiting to go off. The procedure is fatally flawed. I am not planning to replace them.

[DebB]

If you do have teeth extracted, INSIST that the periodontal ligament be completely removed and all infected bone cleaned out. Don't take it for granted that this will be done. INSIST on it! Otherwise you will surely get jawbone cavitations—gangrene of the jaw.

I am planning to have my root canals out because ALL root canaled teeth are toxic time bombs waiting to go off. The procedure is fatally flawed. I am not planning to replace them.



Thanks for posting that Humanist - this is why my local dentist is sending me to a dentist 140 miles away in Spokane, because he does the above. I didn't recall the names and terms though. *Ü*

[mommysunshine]

I ran into this article about MSM and sodium chlorite being used for tooth infections that have spread systemically. Aparently, people with autoimmune disease benefit from these supplements too. I've never tried them so I'm just passing along information. If they help then I need them because I have thryoid disease and an infected root canal. I would like to regain health without the dentist drill!

http://www.health-science-spirit.com/miracle.htm

[Humanist]

Thanks for posting that Humanist - this is why my local dentist is sending me to a dentist 140 miles away in Spokane, because he does the above. I didn't recall the names and terms though. *Ü*

When doing an extraction, a dentist can remove the periodontal ligament, all of it, in about five minutes. It is a simple task, but is rarely done.

[Humanist]

The problem with root canals is that they can't get rid of all the bacteria even though they thoroughly disinfect the hole first. There are always apparently some anaerobic bacteria that remain that can cause health issues. I have 3 root canals and touch wood so far no health issues. But I don't understand how and implant is any different. They drill a hole in your jaw and stick a metal post in it. How do they thoroughly enough disinfect the hole they drilled so that the same thing won't happen. I appreciate that your jaw bone and gums grow around the post but don't they also grow around the root canal matter in a root canal?

No, they don't grow around the root canal matter in a root canal. The problem is in the dentin tubules, which are impossible to disinfect permanently. They are above the gum line. Tooth dentin is porous, full of holes and tunnels, like a sponge. Robert Kulacz believes there will never be a way to disinfect them permanently.

[Humanist]

I've also read negatives about implants... *Ü*

According to Robert Kulacz, implants are made of titanium, which is fairly biocompatible, but needs to be alloyed with other metals that are not. It is too brittle to be used without alloys. Kulacz used to do implants, but now warns against them. You might want to read his book, "The Roots of Disease," if you have not already done so. Another excellent book is "Tooth Truth" by Frank J. Jerome.

[anneh]

Just wanted to chime in here. I have had several root canals. The first was done 40 years ago with no noticeable health problems related to it. Then within the past 5 years have had two others done. it was either that or lose the teeth. I had an endodontist do it and he used the Bio Calex as well as the usual Gutta Percha because a well respected holistic dentist in Baltimore recommends he does it that way. Frankly he shared with me exactly how things are done and why he does not believe root canals to be harmful UNLESS of course done incorrectly. First of all its important for an abscessed tooth to be treated prior to work being done and then have it done by a specialist. I did consult once with a holistic dentist and was very disappointed, he wanted to do so much expensive work in my mouth and yet his hygienist was the least efficient I had ever had clean my teeth. While I like to live holistically and wish that I had good teeth I am afraid I don't due to childhood of eating sweets and not cleaning correctly. But now I am 70yo and in very good shape compared to others in my age group,not on any meds other than natural thyroid. My husband is 86 and he is in excellent health too and had a root canal years ago. So while its best not to have this kind of thing done, if its needed and done by the right specialist all should be well. anneh

[Bookish Lass]

Article about relationship between root canals and cancer
http://www.new-cancer-treatments.org/Articles/RootCanals.html

[anneh]

thanks for the link, I see as usual its all based on the findings of Weston Price umpteen years ago. However I don't wish to dispute things, I am sure that its best not to have dental work of any kind but unfortunately not always possible.
anneh

[Humanist]

Weston Price was a great scientist and his work is just as valid today as it was "umpteen years ago." It has long been ignored and covered up, but never disproven.

[mommysunshine]

Weston Price found that people groups that were nearly immune to tooth decay ate a diet of raw milk, animal flesh and soaked graines. (in a nutshell) Their food provided a large amount of fat soluble vit. A & D needed for bone health. He has done great work. His book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration is great.

[snoops]

Did he not also find groups that ate differently. Like ones that were vegetarians, vegans, ate only fish etc. As long as it was the natural food of their environment, they were healthy and had good teeth. I think it essentially comes down to not eating ANY processed foods.

[darien]

I had a root canal several years ago. I haven't noticed any problems from it other than it being a tight fit and sometimes my floss would get stuck between it and the teeth next to it. It is all white. Is it going to give me a disease? What should I do?

[Humanist]

I had a root canal several years ago. I haven't noticed any problems from it other than it being a tight fit and sometimes my floss would get stuck between it and the teeth next to it. It is all white. Is it going to give me a disease? What should I do?

All root canals are toxic loads on the body. If you are young and healthy you might be able to get away with it for a while, maybe for a few years, but eventually your body will pay the price.

[darien]

All root canals are toxic loads on the body. If you are young and healthy you might be able to get away with it for a while, maybe for a few years, but eventually your body will pay the price.

I'm 24 and I haven't had a sickness in several years. What would you recommend I do about the root canal? I read that leaving an empty space can have worse side effects than a root canal.

[snoops]

you might consider leaving it, but if you start having health issues you might suspect the root canal. I know I have 3 and no health issues so far. I'm not convinced implants are any better and WAY more expensive so until I experience any ill health from them, I'm hanging on.

[darien]

I would've liked to just leave it but now I am afraid of getting cancer or some other disease and having my efforts to eat healthy being negated by the constant bacteria coming from the root canal.

[snoops]

Or any negative health issues from the root canals could be negated by eating raw! I am choosing to look at it that way for now.:D

[darien]

I found this site (http://naturaldentistry.us/486/faq-are-root-canals-safe-what-options-do-i-have/) that recommends a removable metal free partial or a bridge before implants. Anyone have any experience with these and know which is best?

[Humanist]

I'm 24 and I haven't had a sickness in several years. What would you recommend I do about the root canal? I read that leaving an empty space can have worse side effects than a root canal.

Watch and wait for a while. You have time to think about it.

[Humanist]

Yesterday I had a root canal extracted. There are no holistic dentists in my area so I had to go to a conventional dentist, a specialist in oral surgery. I sent him the extraction protocol I wanted. It included removing the periodontal ligament and cleaning out the tooth socket. He said the protocol was "no problem" so I let him do the extraction, but he double-crossed me, the bastard! He just yanked out the tooth and was gone. I will never trust another dentist! Also he refused to accept my insurance and charged me $300 for the quick yank out. He can get away with this kind of behavior because he is the only oral surgeon in the county.

[Vrindavan]

After a tooth pulled, is it perfectly alright not do any thing at all ? If i don't mind lacking that tooth for chewing food.

i just worry if other teeth will move position if that space is not filled ?
and tooth gap will start cavity easily.

if i decide to do implant but have no money yet.

How long can i wait after the tooth pulled and i can still do the implant ?
6 months, one year ? two years ? or any time in future ?

Thanks so much for advice.

[k8sl8]

After a tooth pulled, is it perfectly alright not do any thing at all ? If i don't mind lacking that tooth for chewing food.

i just worry if other teeth will move position if that space is not filled ?
and tooth gap will start cavity easily.

if i decide to do implant but have no money yet.

How long can i wait after the tooth pulled and i can still do the implant ?
6 months, one year ? two years ? or any time in future ?

Thanks so much for advice.

I have some spaces (I had one large filling laden tooth that was extracted because it could not be saved) while under this dentist's care, I had 3 remaining "baby" teeth removed (I was 54 years old! and yes it's fairly common) and I didn't ask the right questions or think ahead. He wanted to do implants and I wasn't ready for that.

Unfortunately, I have just let the spaces remain for 5 years. They are spaced pretty evenly so no gaping holes and don't show, even when I smile. I have had no problems, which answers your question, from my experience. There has been some shifting, but nothing that has created a problem; on the other hand doing implants now would probably be more difficult because of the smaller spaces. Just an observation - not an educated stgatement.

[DebB]

Well, yesterday I (finally) had my 2 root canal teeth extracted. I dragged my feet over this for more than 4 years. But, when one of them 'reinfected' (my dentist's term), I knew enough was enough and arranged to have them removed.

It was a very interesting procedure. There was a very experienced bio-feedback tech there the whole time. I learned a lot (like I will never get another root canal for one!). What is so surprising to me is that I am having absolutely no pain. The 2 teeth were side by side. After the extraction was done, he then did a cavitation where he removed all toxic/infected jaw bone and surrounding gum tissue. I thought I'd be pretty uncomfortable when the novacaine wore off, but I wasn't. I'm not taking the pain pills either.

Above the infected molar, my jaw bone that borders on my sinus cavity is gone because of the root canal. It will grow back though, now that the r.c. tooth has been removed.

I'm going with a bridge. I didn't want to have the anchor teeth ground down, but one of them is already crowned, so it will be the 1 molar to be ground. But, I didn't want implants. I didn't want a metal screw/post screwed up into my jaw bone. But there is another option for anyone who's interested. You can get a partial. It's much cheaper and you take it out at night.

Anyone in Washington (or there abouts) who is considering having root canal teeth removed, please feel free to email me for the name of the dentist who did the extraction and cavitation. We had to travel 6 hours and spend the night before in a hotel, but I wouldn't have wanted to go to anyone else. He's the only dentist in WA State who does the cavitation procedure. *Ü*

[RawKnitster]

Good for you, Deb! Sounds like you made the right decision.

[speltrong]

I know I'm late to the game here, but I have had a lot of root canals and also have 2 implants. The implants were expensive (I paid around $11k for two of them). They were very careful and had me get this special scan of my head so they could see where all of my nerves run through my mouth so they wouldn't damage anything during the procedure. I feel like they were the best thing ever (next to having lasik surgery).. the screws they put in to hold the teeth are titanium, very strong, and have caused me no issues whatsoever.. and I typically have allergies to certain types of metals. I treat them just like normal teeth with flossing and brushing, and they look and feel just like normal teeth too. I love my dentist, and thanks to him I still have a movie star smile. :-) So, I don't think there's any reason to be concerned about the safety of implants as long as you see a highly skilled implant specialist.. IMO, they're better than bridges which ruin the teeth on either side... the downside is that the cost is extremely high!

[DebB]

I know I'm late to the game here, but I have had a lot of root canals and also have 2 implants. The implants were expensive (I paid around $11k for two of them). They were very careful and had me get this special scan of my head so they could see where all of my nerves run through my mouth so they wouldn't damage anything during the procedure. I feel like they were the best thing ever (next to having lasik surgery).. the screws they put in to hold the teeth are titanium, very strong, and have caused me no issues whatsoever.. and I typically have allergies to certain types of metals. I treat them just like normal teeth with flossing and brushing, and they look and feel just like normal teeth too. I love my dentist, and thanks to him I still have a movie star smile. :-) So, I don't think there's any reason to be concerned about the safety of implants as long as you see a highly skilled implant specialist.. IMO, they're better than bridges which ruin the teeth on either side... the downside is that the cost is extremely high!

I'm glad to read that you're having a wonderful experience with your implants! Yeah, they're pricey - but like you say, they're permanent and no grinding the anchor teeth to accomodate a bridge.

Unfortunately after having bio-compatability blood work done, to see what kinds of dental materials my body can tolerate, my body cannot tolerate metals, so this wasn't an option for me. (I've all but given up even putting in pierced earrings, I can tolerate them for about an hour then they have to come out.)

I wish we could all just have perfect teeth and call it good. (wink) *Ü*

[DebB]

Good for you, Deb! Sounds like you made the right decision.

Hi RawKnitster ~ On a little side note... We finally were able to go to Choco Canyon for lunch the day before, Whole Foods and then we picked up some pie to go at Thrive. I've wanted to go to these restaurants for the longest time! *Ü*

[Devaay]

My MD suggest getting a Clifford test to see what chemicals/ metal your allergic to
prior to getting an implant. My MD told me to research ceramic so I plan on it . I'm going to get tested first and then make an informed decision on the type of implant I hope this helps.

[terry brown]

I had titanium implants put in and developed autoimmune issues shortly afterwards. I had them removed four years after the fact and replaced with zirconium.
I could write a book here, but I must post a warning here about titanium implants.

[Arky]

.... I could write a book here, but I must post a warning here about titanium implants.

I actually hope you do seriously consider writing a book about your experiences, Terry.


People benefit enormously from such efforts (Aine's book 'Getting The Mercury Out' has helped many in the heavy metals intoxication community, for example).

Really. Why not go for it?

Kindle makes self-publishing very viable these days.

Take care

[terry brown]

I will certainly write up the experience in complete detail when it is over, the info is to important not to put my experience out there so others can benefit.
I am a few months away from the crown being put on the last implant. I will consider it over then.
There is a great thread going on the med help board, that is where I got the most support. To hear peoples stories about how they crashed in major ways (and all not the same) after they had titanium implants put in is so heartbreaking.
My journey has been long, costly and taken quite a bit of courage but I am coming out on the other end, healthier than ever.
Getting ill from the implants is what brought me to this board and a raw diet.
I have learned so much.
So if anyone reading this is considering implants, feel free to message me and I will be happy to share info with you.

[Devaay]

I just have two root canals . I had my first root canal extraction with a holistic dentist he did every single thing right and followed the protocal right out of my book I have another root canal extraction next week . My story is a long one I have been deathly ill for a 15 months with so called mystery illness ( low grade fever, rash , inflammation, nausea, weight loss, dizziness, shortness of breath, exhaustion , sinus infection, heart seems strained ) I was no longer able to work and my husband read the, " Root Canal Cover up". He believes it is root canals infection so does my MD Of course I've had the million medical tests and seen a tons of specialists . Now my MD believes it is the root canals I want to know if there is anyone else that has had debilitating symptoms caused by root canal and once the root canals were extracted if they saw a dramatic shift in their health? In how many days did you feel better? Was there anything that you did that helped you detox the body and rebuild it? . My MD told me he seen a patient disabled from root canal infection and more and more MD , and ND have been telling me that they have seen devastating effects on health from root canals. .