When a tooth is dead, infected or decayed to the point where the nerve cannot be saved, dentists are left with two options to offer their patients.
• Perform a root canal : a multi-step treatment that begins by removing the nerve from the affected tooth. The main canals to the interior of the root are then cleaned and widened before sealing them off as effectively as possible. Restoration work such as a crown completes the treatment.
• Extract the tooth and clear the socket of all infection.
Because dentists strive to maintain the healthy look of a full smile, not to mention occlusion (the position of the teeth when the jaws are closed) and mastication (chewing), they often suggest a root canal in order to maintain the tooth in place.
On the other hand, keeping a dead tooth in the mouth is not without its disadvantages. One such disadvantage is not knowing how the alveoli and surrounding tissue will react over the long term to the presence of a dead tooth. An infection or chronic inflammation can present even after several years and lead to the loss of the tooth, which can be unfortunate if the tooth were used, for example, to support a bridge. Moreover, the presence of periodontal pockets (gum disease) is more frequently observed in the area surrounding root canals. The most serious disadvantage, however, is the long-term impact on the patient’s health resulting from the presence of anaerobic bacteria and their toxins in the root’s pores. Also known as dentin tubules or microscopic canals , these pores cannot be cleaned or obturated (filled) during the root canal treatment. They thus become a safe haven for microbes and transform the tooth into a receptacle for toxins and anaerobic bacteria.
The accumulated waste matter can often cause the tooth to change colour.
The bacteria and toxins can potentially infiltrate the blood stream and affect the overall health of the patient.
The resulting impact depends on how the patient’s immune system responds to the attack. It is worth noting that since the tooth is dead and no longer benefits from internal circulation (i.e. a blood supply), the body is helpless to eliminate the source of the problem. Furthermore, no medication or dietary supplement can prevent the bacteria from reproducing in the dentin tubules.
For more information about the harmful side-effects of root canal treatments on the human body, refer to George E Meinig’s book, Root Canal Cover Up (available on Amazon.com).
A root canal procedure consists of removing the nerve that is infected, cleaning the canal with a disinfecting solution and filling this canal with a sealing material. Dr Benoit does not perform root canals because of the toxins secreted by the bacteria found in these dead teeth.
