# Are Root Canals Really Toxic?? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 17, 2013, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576 "2013-02-17T04:29:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2013, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/323 "2013-12-30T20:18:06Z")
> [@andrewkg](#): > > The idea of Root Canals causing cancer is absurd. First I will lay down a logical argument, than a more scientific one. > > First why would the medical community allow this to happen? This is a pretty easily tested hypothesis. Second you have only mentioned “dentists” saying that they are bad have you ever heard the response to this claim from a immunologist, or an oncologist? Will dentists go through med school there specialty is neither the immune system or cancer. Third if there was any scientific proof the healthcare legal groups would jump on this so fast. Do you see where I am going? I could go on and on. > > Now for the more scientific. First STATISTICS? You should definitely know to be skeptical of stats. Did you ever ask how big was the sample groups? I doubt (if there even was an actual study) that it was larger than 100. So all your stats must be thrown out in this argument. Now what’s left your claim that there is deadly bacteria left within the tooth. They first pack the tooth with antibiotics then they put you on an antibiotics prescription for 10 or more days. Have you bothered to view the stats for antibiotics success rate? That come from credible sources. Possibly in some cases infected pulp (the interior of the tooth that becomes infected) is left behind but that is the fault of dentist. It seems your whole argument is one sided have you looked at the side that root canals are not all that dangerous, the thousands of volumes of peer reviewed journals, the actual medical procedure for a root canal. No I thought not just the ramblings of some crackpots. Its like saying 97% of astrology predictions are true (their not) their just broad generalizations. Again with this I could go on and on. > > I also did have a root canal 4 in one week on the same tooth earlier this year. I had an absence tooth with unbelievable pain. Anyway my parents (both of whom are doctors and would say the idea that root canals causing immune problems and cancer ridiculous) waited to long to take me to the hospital it got to the point where my eyes were literally swollen shut because the infection spread to my sinuses and my upper jaw. It was ridiculous how much pain I was in I could hardly stand and could not even talk to express my pain. Well then they took me to the hospital and they preformed surgery to cut out some bone and drain my sinuses a bit. After that surgery I could just barely open my left eye my face still looked like a pumpkin. Then I had the first of a four part root canal. And that night the swelling went down 10% then after the next it went down even more. See where I’m going? If I had not had the root canal I would have died. > > There the whole idea is just shot. Seems as if this was more personal expernce on your part then as you state ‘now for the more scientific’, or the emotional appeal as to ‘why the medical community allows this to happen’. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/324 "2013-12-30T21:11:48Z")
It’s Christmas break. I don’t think they’re teaching debate to 8th graders yet. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/325 "2013-12-30T21:15:47Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Absence makes the tooth grow sorer. Abscess makes the tooth grow sorer, surely. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2013, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/326 "2013-12-30T21:25:20Z")
Yeah, but I was trying to riff on this: > [@andrewkg](#): > > I had an absence tooth with unbelievable pain. ---
**Author:** ![gwtx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@gwtx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwtx2)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2014, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/327 "2014-02-01T17:51:24Z")
I’m not convinced root canals are a problem. Bacteria need living or dead tissue to multiply. Any bacteria within the canal would eventually eliminate its own source of survival medium. Secondly, there is no blood supply to the tooth after a root canal so any bacteria in the canal has no way to get into the blood stream. Thirdly, if bacteria on non living parts of the body was dangerous, then we’re all in trouble. Most of us have 20 dead nails resting on a bed filled which kills any bacteria. I have a few root canals and I’m not having any issues. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2014, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/328 "2014-02-02T02:13:28Z")
> [@gwtx2](#): > > I’m not convinced root canals are a problem. Bacteria need living or dead tissue to multiply. Any bacteria within the canal would eventually eliminate its own source of survival medium. Secondly, there is no blood supply to the tooth after a root canal so any bacteria in the canal has no way to get into the blood stream. Thirdly, if bacteria on non living parts of the body was dangerous, then we’re all in trouble. Most of us have 20 dead nails resting on a bed filled which kills any bacteria. I have a few root canals and I’m not having any issues. as much as I think I do a good job on root canals, I am sure we(dentists) don’t get perfect apical seals and the are unfilled microscopic accessory canals. At least those other guys, not me.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2014, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/329 "2014-02-02T06:23:29Z")
Anyone wonder if the OP has cancer and/or an auto immune reaction? ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2014, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/330 "2014-02-02T15:09:49Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Anyone wonder if the OP has cancer and/or an auto immune reaction? nope ---
**Author:** ![Reasoningtogether](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Reasoningtogether](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reasoningtogether)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/331 "2014-03-05T00:07:38Z")
After reading most of the banter on this subject, it’s obvious that no one has read a book called Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by the head of the American Dental Association less than 80 years ago. His worldwide dental research with the support of hundreds of lab technicians is fascinating. The photographs and records are clear reports of his findings. If anyone is serious enough to go beyond the current dogma and one’s own narrow personal experience, he will find enlightenment there. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/332 "2014-03-05T00:46:36Z")
> [@Reasoningtogether](#): > > After reading most of the banter on this subject, it’s obvious that no one has read a book called Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by the head of the American Dental Association less than 80 years ago. His worldwide dental research with the support of hundreds of lab technicians is fascinating. The photographs and records are clear reports of his findings. If anyone is serious enough to go beyond the current dogma and one’s own narrow personal experience, he will find enlightenment there. Actually, he founded the _National_ Dental Association, which later became the research institute of the American Dental Association. From the Weston Price Wiki > [@](#): > > Price initially did dental research on the relationship between endodontic therapy and pulpless teeth and broader systemic disease, known as focal infection theory, a theory which resulted in many extractions of tonsils and teeth. Focal infection theory fell out of favor in the 1930s and was pushed to the margins of dentistry by the 1950s. > > By 1930, Price had shifted his interest to nutrition. In 1939, he published Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, detailing his global travels studying the diets and nutrition of various cultures. The book concludes that aspects of a modern Western diet (particularly flour, sugar, and modern processed vegetable fats) cause nutritional deficiencies that are a cause of many dental issues and health problems. The dental issues he observed include the proper development of the facial structure (to avoid overcrowding of the teeth) in addition to dental caries. This work received mixed reviews, and continues to be cited today by proponents of many different theories, including controversial dentistry and nutritional theories. To find out what he is (in)famous for, read the section of [endontics and focal infection.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston_Price#Endodontics_and_focal_infection)I, for one, am glad that dental science has progressed beyond such things in the last century. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/333 "2014-03-05T00:51:02Z")
[The homepage of the Weston A. Price Foundation.](http://www.westonaprice.org/) Take a look at the red section to the left and note the “healthy” diet they recommend. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/334 "2014-03-05T01:54:05Z")
Well, I for one refuse to accept any research more recent than 80 years ago. I do not believe in nuclear power, silicone breast implants, statins, or the internet. And frankly, these days, as I age, I’m mostly concerned about keeping my humors in balance. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/335 "2014-03-05T04:23:34Z")
Well when reading some ideas about health that get spread across the internet you do need to keep a good sense of humors. So you are well prepared. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/336 "2014-03-05T04:28:34Z")
> [@Reasoningtogether](#): > > If anyone is serious enough to go beyond the current dogma and one’s own narrow personal experience, he will find enlightenment there. can’t speak for others, but my narrow personal experience consists of receiving 6 root canals and preforming about 2000, 4 years of dental school and 24 years of practice. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/337 "2014-03-05T05:14:47Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > can’t speak for others, but my narrow personal experience consists of receiving 6 root canals and preforming about 2000, 4 years of dental school and 24 years of practice. Oh pshaw. What would _you_ know? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/338 "2014-03-05T07:53:50Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > can’t speak for others, but my narrow personal experience consists of receiving 6 root canals and preforming about 2000, 4 years of dental school and 24 years of practice. I see you can’t take it nearly as much as you dish it out! ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/339 "2014-03-05T12:15:51Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I see you can’t take it nearly as much as you dish it out! very good ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/340 "2014-03-05T13:17:18Z")
Weston Price? Priceless. I’d be surprised if any Weston Price devotee was worried about toxins from root canals. According to the WP dogma, all you need to do is regularly swish coconut oil around in your mouth for long periods of time, and it’ll draw out all the Toxins (as well as driving your spouse to divorce). ---
**Author:** ![Reasoningtogether](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Reasoningtogether](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reasoningtogether)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/341 "2014-03-05T17:50:40Z")
Most people responding here have already chosen their stand and locked the door. Everyone is free to do so. However, I’m wondering if any of you have read a book by one of the founding members of the American Association of Endodontists. From the 1940’s to the 1990’s he happily performed root canals. In June 1993 (too ancient?) he published a book about his change of mind and his reasons. If anyone’s door is still open, check out “Root Canal Cover Up” by Dr. George Meinig. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/342 "2014-03-05T17:56:44Z")
The scoop on [Focal Infection Theory.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Meinig) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576.md?page=18)