# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![OneChance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/74df32/32.png) [@OneChance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneChance)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/41 "2013-02-17T07:09:14Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > (What is “EFT”?) I believe she was referring to this: > **[Emotional Freedom Techniques](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_Freedom_Techniques)** > > This is an accepted version of this page > Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a technique that stimulates acupressure points by pressuring, tapping or rubbing while focusing on situations that represent personal fear or trauma. EFT draws on various theories of alternative medicine – including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). EFT also combines elements of exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and somatic stimulation. It is bes... The OP believes it works. I might finally be able to sell off my collection of ear candles. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/42 "2013-02-17T07:13:49Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > You can look here: > > [http://www.westonaprice.org/dentistry/root-canal-dangers](http://www.westonaprice.org/dentistry/root-canal-dangers) By the way, that makes no mention of comparing the rates of any disease among those who have had root canals with a similar population who have not. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/43 "2013-02-17T07:16:55Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Perhaps the fact that the teeth were implanted gave the rabbits cancer, not the root canals. Hmmmm? Ever think of THAT? :dubious: > (What is “EFT”?) > [@OneChance](#): > > I believe she was referring to this: > > [Emotional Freedom Techniques - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_Freedom_Techniques) > > The OP believes it works. I might finally be able to sell off my collection of ear candles. I thought it was “Electronic Fund Transfer”. That’s the medical treatment by which these doctors drain off the toxic levels of money in their patients accounts. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/44 "2013-02-17T07:21:24Z")
> [@OneChance](#): > > This is something I don’t understand. There are lots of people calling themselves doctors who say root canals are toxic. But there are also lots of other people calling themselves doctors who say they are not toxic. What makes you believe the “toxic” group over the other one? My closest friend had a root canal about ten years ago when he was in his early 30’s. He doesn’t have cancer, heart problems, or auto immune conditions, the things you mentioned in your OP. Hi. I know what you mean. Well I believe they are toxic because there is more evidence to suggest they are then the other. EFT is emotional freedom technique. I believe it works to an extent. There must be someone here who shares my views. Root canals being toxic is well accepted now. This isn’t some out there theory invented by just a few. More and more dentist as catching on to this and thats a fact. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/45 "2013-02-17T07:29:58Z")
**ineedthetruth** , let’s step back for a moment and inquire: Just what do you wish to accomplish with this thread? You certainly aren’t asking us for any truth, since you are quite convinced that you already have it. Even your choice of user-name seems to be a misnomer. What do you want to have happen as a result of your thread here? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/46 "2013-02-17T07:35:31Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > actually he is right about a lot in this link. Microwaves do alter the nutritional value of foods. Also EFT does work. The talk about the insulin is true too. This just further proves this guy is right about the **root canals too in my mind**. (Bolding added.) I don’t know about the rest, but if you’re having mental root canals, that’s your problem right there. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/47 "2013-02-17T07:37:50Z")
I need the truth Senegoid. I have been trying to save my tooth for the last year but I have lost the battle it seems ☹ Looks like I must do a root canal. I have done hundreds and hundreds of hours of research into this issue and alternatives. The only real alternative for me is something called pulp capping. Sadly the decay on my tooth has reached the nerve. But there is one dentist who says I might can get pulp capping. I will not know until Monday. But I think a root canal is looking more and more likely for me now. I am already missing my first molar on both lower side of my jaw. This is the second molar in question. If I get this one extracted that means im missing my first and second molar. Which leads me to the concern of having facial change/sag. Also I would have quite the large gap. I wanted to get some feedback on the issue. It just seems nobody here knows the truth. I am convinced for the most part root canals are toxic. When you start digging deeper in many issues you will see the truth. Just like prescription meds…they are killing america. I know some people need them but many do not. Things like this it takes time and research to realize thats all. ---
**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 17, 2013, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/48 "2013-02-17T07:49:20Z")
Have you asked your dentist about your fears? (Dude – Mercola denies _germ theory_. Now THAT’S what I call quackery!) As for prescription meds, I’d most likely be dead without them. As it was, I recently had a seizure for the first time in three years after I forgot to pick up my prescription a month ago. (Long story) ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/49 "2013-02-17T07:57:45Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Have you asked your dentist about your fears? (Dude – Mercola denies _germ theory_. Now THAT’S what I call quackery!) > > As for prescription meds, I’d most likely be dead without them. As it was, I recently had a seizure for the first time in three years after I forgot to pick up my prescription a month ago. (Long story) some people do need the meds. I understand. The mainstream dentist don’t know about all of this. They were taught in dental school to save all teeth. Only a handful of dentist know about this. It’s kinda like the mercury issue a few decades back. Now its much wider known that mercury is not that safe. ---
**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:** [February 17, 2013, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/50 "2013-02-17T08:04:51Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > I wanted to get some feedback on the issue. It just seems nobody here knows the truth. You were given the truth. You chose to ignore it. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/51 "2013-02-17T08:11:32Z")
I ask anyone who is questioning me to sit down and do 30 minutes research into this topic. You will see what I am seeing then. The root canal dangers are all over the place by many different dentist. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/52 "2013-02-17T08:16:19Z")
the real problem is that health issues may not start until years after the root canal. Who could think to link that back? That’s why so many people think they are safe. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/53 "2013-02-17T08:20:05Z")
I went bald 25 years ago. I had a root canal a year and a half ago. It must have had, like, a Gallifreyan dentist. ---
**Author:** ![Astral\_Rejection](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/258eb7/32.png) [@Astral\_Rejection](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astral_Rejection)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/54 "2013-02-17T08:42:15Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > I ask anyone who is questioning me to sit down and do 30 minutes research into this topic. You will see what I am seeing then. The root canal dangers are all over the place by many different dentist. You honestly believe 30 minutes of research on the Internet gives you a fuller understanding of the issues involved with root canals than a dentist who spent years in medical school? I researched brains once for 45 minutes, give me a call if you ever need surgery. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/55 "2013-02-17T08:45:24Z")
astral why is that you guys object me over and over? There is so much evidence to support this. I will continue to conversation tomorrow. I got to get to bed. My tooth is really hurting…I got to go do my temporary fix. I will have a root canal before you know it sadly ☹ Good night and see you guys tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/56 "2013-02-17T08:53:19Z")
You are on a message board full of practical, logical thinkers, who actually know how to research and recognize credible sources. This is also a board where those who wish to make a point are the ones who have to provide the proof. The onus is on you and only you. No one is going to do the research for you or at your bidding. It’s your job to bring it to us for our perusal, so we’re all clicking the same links and guaranteeing we’re all talking about the same material. All this research you’ve done, you should be able to link to it so we’re all looking at the exact same set of evidence you seem to think proves your point. Telling us to do the work isn’t going to work, and no one here is going to agree with you unless you can prove what you’re saying through _credible resources and links_. The answer to your tooth loss is simple if you don’t want a root canal. Pull the tooth. After that you have two choices, an implant or a denture. It shouldn’t be a dilemma for someone so convinced. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/57 "2013-02-17T09:01:53Z")
I am headed to bed. I will provide some links tomorrow. Implants I do not like the idea of cutting a hole in my jaw and putting in a foreign object. This is a autoimmune reaction waiting to happen. It’s not if…it’s when. Anyways I will provide some links tomorrow. I have plenty of evidence to back this up. Im too sleepy right now. Rest assured I will back tomorrow with plenty of links 🙂 Have a good night guys. ---
**Author:** ![listedmia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e0b2c6/32.png) [@listedmia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/listedmia)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/58 "2013-02-17T09:12:42Z")
I have a root canal from 5 or 6 years ago. They put a crown over the tooth. Being an 18-year-old with crappy insurance, I went for the cheapo crown. It has caused some on and off gum irritation (caused by the crown, not the root canal itself) and it was expensive and painful. In the future, I would probably just have the tooth pulled. However, I am totally fine other than that. I don’t see how a root canal could possibly cause cancer in other parts of the body, and I figure it would cause around the same risk of infection as extracting the tooth. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/59 "2013-02-17T09:14:48Z")
Plenty of links is not necessarily the same as quality, factual information. I can find plenty of links arguing that Lizard people live amongst us. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/60 "2013-02-17T09:52:29Z")
100% of Americans with osteoporosis have consumed milk at some point in their lives. We can therefore safely conclude that milk causes osteoporosis. QED. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576.md?page=4)