# 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:** 7
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/121 "2013-02-18T16:22:17Z")
Since the OP is apparently more interested in pushing his own point of view than asking a factual question, let’s move this over to Great Debates. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/122 "2013-02-18T16:47:49Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > Most root canals are done by general dentists not endodontists. It isn’t really that specialized. Some dentists don’t do them for a variety of reasons and some will do the easy ones but not the hard ones. I do most of my own but do find some that I want a specialist to do. Hmmm. I did not know that. Was there a change-over from doing the root canals one root at a time to all at once or was that something I had to put up with because I was a kid or had freaky roots? ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/123 "2013-02-18T17:33:08Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > Hmmm. I did not know that. Was there a change-over from doing the root canals one root at a time to all at once or was that something I had to put up with because I was a kid or had freaky roots? When I was a kid most RCTs were done by endodontists since general dentists weren’t taught them in school. That changed in the 60’s and now all dental schools teach them. Also it used to be and I was taught that you never completed a RCT in one visit but that has changed since the 90’s and now if possible they are usually done start to finish in one appointment. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/124 "2013-02-18T19:20:20Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > Since the OP is apparently more interested in pushing his own point of view than asking a factual question, let’s move this over to Great Debates. > > Colibri > General Questions Moderator Is it possible for you to move it to GD _without_ leaving the link in GQ? It would be so _cool_ if the OP couldn’t find the thread when he comes back to post his “proof.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/125 "2013-02-18T19:53:28Z")
After I got a root canal, I: - Got married (still happily married) - Had a wonderful son - Got a better job that I love - Am able to chew food - Am cancer-free So I really recommend them. You should probably think of having a root canal done, even if you don’t need one. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/126 "2013-02-18T21:26:01Z")
i think that these rich dentists should take their excess piles of cash and open a funeral home. then they could do a combo deal of root canal and prepaid funeral. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/127 "2013-02-18T21:26:59Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Is it possible for you to move it to GD _without_ leaving the link in GQ? > > It would be so _cool_ if the OP couldn’t find the thread when he comes back to post his “proof.” > > 😃 nah, I want him back, he’s funny. ---
**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 19, 2013, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/128 "2013-02-19T02:11:34Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > At this point in my life I cannot lose another tooth. I need them to attract girls if nothing else. > > But I am taking a risk. I know this as a fact. I truly believe some people can survive with a root canal and feel no ill effects. I am just praying I am one of these people. > [@elbows](#): > > Your belief that this procedure is toxic and harmful is trumped by not wanting to lose another tooth? :dubious: Because then you won’t be able to attract girls? :dubious:Your dentist believes the same but is still willing to do the procedure to his patient?:dubious: He is willing to risk his health and life rather than risk not having a girlfriend. Makes sense. Because the ungirlful life is not worth living. > [@rsat3acr](#): > > Most root canals are done by general dentists not endodontists. It isn’t really that specialized. Some dentists don’t do them for a variety of reasons and some will do the easy ones but not the hard ones. **I do most of my own** but do find some that I want a specialist to do. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/129 "2013-02-19T02:52:41Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > When I was a kid most RCTs were done by endodontists since general dentists weren’t taught them in school. That changed in the 60’s and now all dental schools teach them. Also it used to be and I was taught that you never completed a RCT in one visit but that has changed since the 90’s and now if possible they are usually done start to finish in one appointment. Was there a reason why they did not finish them in a single appointment? Safety concern? Too much work? ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/130 "2013-02-19T14:13:30Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Have you asked your dentist about your fears? (Dude – Mercola denies _germ theory_. Now THAT’S what I call quackery!) Let me get this straight – no, there is no time, I sum up – he deinies germ theory but claims the tooth is still infected after a root canal? With _what_ could it be infected, if not germs? ---
**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:** [February 19, 2013, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/131 "2013-02-19T15:14:34Z")
Not to presume to speak for the Great Mercola - but a typical stance of germ theory denialists is that infections only afflict those who don’t eat properly, don’t take the right supplements\* or have problems with negative thinking/bad attitudes/lousy psyches that lead to infections.\*\* Germs can’t cause disease on their own - you must be inferior in some way to those with Powerful Immune Systems who live the Right Way. \*which they just happen to sell. \*\*[Examples of this ingenious :dubious: theory.](http://subversivethinking.blogspot.com/2011/04/interview-with-james-mccumiskey-about.html) ---
**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:** [February 19, 2013, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/132 "2013-02-19T15:31:45Z")
Nobody jumped on the bandwagon, so the OP rode it out of town. ---
**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 19, 2013, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/133 "2013-02-19T17:10:14Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > 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. you’ve been taken in by a bunch of paranoid bullshit you found on the Internet. The bullshit isn’t working for you, but you’re desperate to hold on to it. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/134 "2013-02-19T19:51:44Z")
Im back guys.I had trouble finding my thread. It seems as though it was moved. I have been battling this tooth pain for quite some time now. I have spoken to many about the dangers of root canals too since I last left. I know what I am about to do is potentially harm my health but I have no choice. I have made the choice to do a root canal. I never thought I would say this but I have given up. Some of you do not believe the dangers of the root canal. I don’t know why some choose to keep their eyes closed to the truth but it is so. I suspect only some people develop problems from these root canals. I will provide the factual links soon guys. I am battling major tooth ache right now though and need to go make it feel better. I have a whole slew of products I throw at my tooth ach to make it stop. It is a 30 minute process but the pain goes away. I will provide the links later today after I get this all sorted out. Life with a broken tooth is no life to live. I want to get this fixed and see what happens to me after the root canal. I suspect I will be find many months after the procedure and then when I forget about it things could go wrong. That’s how it seems to work for many people it seems. None the less im also hoping I will live a normal healthy life after getting this root canal done. Wish my luck my friends. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/135 "2013-02-19T19:55:23Z")
Please be careful-35% of those who have a root canal end up pregnant! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/136 "2013-02-19T20:03:49Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Please be careful-35% of those who have a root canal end up pregnant! I don’t appreciate the slap in my face. Because you just slapped me in the face. That’s what you did. Believe it or not you just slapped me in my face. It happened and it was for no reason. You can’t take it back now either because it’s too late. I am trying to warn the public about these dangers as well as make a decision for myself. You act like root canals pose no danger. Many dentist are saying they do. Come on you need to open your eyes. Proof is not everything. Many things are not proven until later. ---
**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 19, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/137 "2013-02-19T20:06:35Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > I have a whole slew of products I throw at my tooth ach to make it stop. It is a 30 minute process but the pain goes away. The alcohol and drugs are more likely to do you harm than the root canal. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/138 "2013-02-19T20:09:25Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > I don’t appreciate the slap in my face. I guess not. That must have hurt, what with your toothache and all. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2013, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/139 "2013-02-19T20:16:51Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > I don’t appreciate the slap in my face. Because you just slapped me in the face. That’s what you did. Believe it or not you just slapped me in my face. It happened and it was for no reason. You can’t take it back now either because it’s too late. Don’t blame Czar. He’s had a few root canals and can no longer control what he says or does. Sadly, he has also lost his faith in the lord. ☹ ---
**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:** [February 19, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576/140 "2013-02-19T20:24:28Z")
> [@ineedthetruth](#): > > I don’t appreciate the slap in my face. Because you just slapped me in the face. That’s what you did. Believe it or not you just slapped me in my face. It happened and it was for no reason. You can’t take it back now either because it’s too late. I am trying to warn the public about these dangers as well as make a decision for myself. You act like root canals pose no danger. Many dentist are saying they do. Come on you need to open your eyes. Proof is not everything. Many things are not proven until later. I don’t appreciate your slapping logic and common sense in the face. Because you just slapped logic and common sense in the face. That’s what you did. Believe it or not you just slapped logic and common sense in the face. It happened because you swallow woo like an ice cold beer on a summer’s day. You could take it back if you applied logic and common sense before taking another big swig of woo-it’s not too late. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-root-canals-really-toxic/650576.md?page=8)