Root Canals: The Hidden Risk
Biological dentistry raises important questions about root canal therapy. With 60 million performed annually, understanding the risks is essential for informed health decisions.
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Root canals performed annually in the USA
Length of dental tubules in a single tooth
Bacterial contamination found in tested root canaled teeth
Species of anaerobic bacteria identified in root canal samples
What Happens During a Root Canal?
When a root canal is performed, the nerve tissue and blood supply to the tooth are removed, and the hollow canals are filled with an inert rubber-like material called gutta percha. The tooth is sealed, but only for a brief period.
The remaining fluid and bacteria from the nerve tissue continue to build pressure within the tooth. This eventually produces exotoxins that damage the apex of the tooth, leak into the periodontal ligament, and damage the alveolar bone that supports the tooth. The tooth is dead, yet remains in the body.
A root canaled tooth is, by definition, dead tissue. And gangrene, dead tissue that remains in the body, is not healthy in any part of the body.
Key Concerns
Dead Tissue
A root canaled tooth is, by definition, dead. The nerve and blood supply are removed, leaving dead tissue that the body must deal with.
Bacterial Survival
With 3 miles of dental tubules that cannot be fully sterilized, microscopic bacteria survive and multiply in these tunnels after the blood supply is cut off.
Immune Suppression
Bacteria mutate into toxic pathogens safe from immune defenses and antibiotics, creating a continuous burden on the immune system.
Systemic Impact
Research links root canals to heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and other degenerative diseases through focal infection theory.
Pioneering Researchers
Three pioneering researchers completed extensive work on the dangers of root canals. Their conclusions were all the same: once the nerve of the tooth dies, the tooth should be removed.
Dr. Weston Price
Chairman, ADA Research Section (1914–1943)
Conducted extensive research on how destructive root canals can be. His research was ignored by orthodox dental organizations for over 50 years. Discovered that dental tubules in a single tooth span 3 miles, making full sterilization impossible.
Dr. George Meinig
Founding Member, American Association of Endodontists
Spent 18 months delving into Dr. Price's research and discovered just how toxic root canals can be. Authored 'Root Canal Cover-up' (1993) to bring awareness to the dangers.
Dr. Hal Huggins
DDS, MS in Immunology, 40+ Years Research
An expert in blood chemistry and cellular chemistry. Used DNA analysis to discover anaerobic bacteria in nearly every extracted root canaled tooth, finding bacteria migrate throughout the body.
In the biological world of dentistry and medicine, the body has meridians, a flow of energy that exists throughout the body. When one lane gets blocked, it slows traffic. Root canals can affect our body in a similar way, disrupting the flow of energy and potentially causing disease.
Alternatives to Root Canals
Biological dentistry offers alternative approaches that prioritize whole-body health.
Tooth extraction with proper cleaning of the socket
Ozone therapy for disinfection (where patients choose to keep the tooth)
Biocompatible ceramic implant placement after extraction
Cavitation surgery to clean areas of residual infection
Nutritional support for natural tooth remineralization
Meridian assessment to understand systemic connections
Have Questions About Root Canals?
A biological dentist can evaluate your individual situation and discuss options that support your whole-body health.