Seeking and Finding Wholeness

Most holistic dentists prefer to extract a tooth than to do a root canal mainly because they believe root canals are never a 100% sterile and bacteria left behind could flourish if your immune system is compromised. My (non-holistic) dentist said that 95% o root canals are successful, this leaves 5% of root canals to fail. If they fail, an infection can occur at the bone structure that may not be easily detectable.

I found that not all holistic dentists have this position, almost none of the traditional dentists prefer extraction over a root canal. Over 95% of root canals are successful. So many people have had root canals, multiple of them. These root canal procedures are done routinely and safely. However, just because every body else is doing something doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice. For instance, take drinking pop, or using cell phones, eating fast food, eating lots of meat, smoking, getting drunk, need I continue?.. Many people take actions that negatively impact their well being for whatever reasons, be it lack of information, disinformation, ignorance, lack of interest, etc…

Here, in trying to decide if root canals are good or bad, IMHO (In my humble opinion), we are faced with a lack of information, making deciding what’s best a little tricky. I shared what I know here and ask you to contribute what you know so we can all benefit.

I prefer neither to extract nor do a root canal. I however do not prefer lack of action. If your tooth is impacted, if it’s infected or painful then something needs to be done. I have no preference as of to what approach is better. All I can say, should you get a root canal, regular visits to the dentist become even more important, ask to use x-rays, this could help in detecting any infections in the bone.

More importantly is your oral hygiene and your diet. Most holistic dentists believe that teeth can regain their health back with good care. My traditional dentist thinks otherwise. He told me that teeth can not get healthier once they are infected, impacted or affected. So, I ask myself now, if a cavity is filled, if a crack is dealt with, if the canals are not as healthy as they should be, could I change my diet, eat something, use herbal oils, or do anything to help the teeth get healthier? I found one website that seems to answer these questions with a yes, take a loot: http://www.curetoothdecay.com/Root_Canal/root_canal_cover_up.htm and http://www.curetoothdecay.com/Root_Canal/root_canal_treatment.htm

This website prefers extraction but discusses other options like Dr. Robert Nara’s Solution, extracti0on, Biocalcex, Tooth/Dentin Restoration: http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/root.html (recommended)

We have to take information with a grain of salt, especially when there’s money involved; both traditional and holistic dentists stand to gain from their claims.

If you have ANY information to contribute to this article please do so as I myself am seeking information. I may have to make a decision on another of my teeth that seems to be impacted and may require either a root canal, extraction, or perhaps there is a way to make the tooth and the nerves healthy again?

Here are some more useful resources:

Root Canal Or tooth extraction? http://abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/73032/

Root canal dental treatment options: http://www.wholebodymed.com/library_education_details.php?pid=38

Root canal treatment: http://www.shdc.com.au/?s=services&p=root-canal-treatment

Root canals cannot be sterilized – Why not to have a root canal: http://curezone.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/root-canals-cannot-be-sterilized/

Root canal vs. Extraction: http://www.dentalfind.com/Root_Canal_vs_Extraction/

Holistic Dentist – Root Canal vs. extraction (a short video clip): http://www.articlesbase.com/videos/5min/34459460

Skeptics of holistic dentistry (and everything under the sun) at quack watch: http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/holisticdent.html