The Root Canal Controversy

The root canal controversy has been raging for many, many years, and arguments over their effectiveness or ineffectiveness have been going back and forth since the turn of the last century.

However, exhaustive research has shown that a standard root canal procedure cannot effectively sterilize the interiors of tooth roots. Trapped bacteria may then mutate, then migrate to other organs through the bloodstream, such as the heart, kidneys, stomach, eyes, and many other bodily tissues.

The chemicals used to try to sterilize root interiors, such as formaldehyde or chlorine, can be very toxic to the body and its systems. Also, the standard root filling material, "gutta percha," is latex-based, and many people are sensitive to latex. Gutta percha also has heavy metal salts such as mercury or cadmium mixed in with it, so that it will show up well on an X-ray. These heavy metals are also very toxic to the body.

Tests have been developed that show that root-canaled teeth that appear healthy are actually still infected with bacteria that cause kidney and bladder diseases, arthritis, lung problems, endocarditis and associated heart disease, stomach ulcers, ovarian problems, osteomyelitis, pregnancy complications and even mental problems.

The root canal controversy has become so heated that some dentists have even recommended not having them, and having teeth extracted instead, as a healthier alternative.

Thanks to the dental laser, and modern, biocompatible compounds, this controversy may now be laid to rest. The hi-tech root restoration procedures available now at our center may eliminate all of the above-mentioned problems, for the following reasons:

(1) Sterilization--Once the root chamber is cleaned out, it is washed out with ozonated water, which is an effective, biologically safe treatment against bacteria and microbes, as well as an aid to promote healing. Then,a dental laser is used that can sterilize the root interiors much more thoroughly and effectively than any chemical can. The reason is that the interior root structure reflects the sterilizing light into every microscopic nook and cranny in the root chamber, so that nothing can escape it.

(2) Restorative Materials--After the sterilization procedures are finished, the root tips are sealed with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate. This is a biocompatible, bone-like compound that seals the roots, and the body identifies it as a healthy tooth, so that vital blood, oxygen and lymphatic circulation will continue to the area. The chambers themselves are filled with a tooth-like, calcium-based compound that again, the body identifies as natural--because it is. Natural tooth root calcification continues throughout life, and this is a natural imitation of what eventually happens anyway. (See Root Canal Calcification Therapy.)

Also, a tooth with a nerve system that is still viable may not need a full root canal restoration, but instead may be saved with the Laser Nerve Treatment.

Return from "Root Canal Controversy" to Home Page.