Holistic dentistry and root canals: what does the evidence say?

You may have heard that root canals are dangerous. Some voices in holistic or biological dentistry circles link them to serious illness. If you've seen those claims, it's fair to want answers. Here is what the clinical evidence actually shows. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• What a root canal does and why dental providers perform it 

• Where the "root canals are dangerous" claim comes from 

• What major dental institutions say about the evidence 

• What questions to bring to your dental provider before any decision 

If you’ve been told you may need a root canal and have questions about the treatment, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. They can examine your tooth, explain your options and help you make an informed decision. 

What a root canal actually does 

A root canal is used to repair and save a severely damaged, decaying or infected tooth instead of removing it. During treatment, your provider cleans inside the tooth and each root canal, then fills the canals with a rubber-like material to seal them against future infection. If an infection around the root is left untreated, pain and swelling can develop, an abscess may form and bacteria can damage the bone that supports the tooth.¹ 

The tissue inside the tooth is called the pulp. MedlinePlus describes pulp as soft connective tissue in the center of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It also says root canals are used for cavities or infections that affect the pulp.² 

Where the concern comes from 

The worry about root canals goes back to an idea from the early 1900s called the “focal infection” theory. It suggested that bacteria trapped in teeth could spread and cause illness elsewhere in the body. 

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) says the theory was based on flawed research from before modern sterilization, imaging and microbiology. Later research discredited those claims.³ 

What the evidence shows today 

Current scientific evidence does not support claims that root canal treatment causes cancer, autoimmune disorders or other chronic illness. The AAE says modern root canal treatment removes infected tissue, disinfects the canal system and seals the tooth to help prevent reinfection.³ 

Root canal treatment is designed to save a tooth that can still be treated. Keeping your natural tooth also helps maintain your bite and the bone around it. 

What holistic dental providers are concerned about 

Some practitioners who use terms such as holistic or biological dentistry raise concerns about how dental treatment may affect overall health. They may also have questions about the materials used in dental procedures. 

Those are reasonable topics to discuss with your dental provider. But some claims go further and say root canals trap harmful bacteria, release toxins or cause serious illness elsewhere in the body. Current scientific evidence does not support those claims.³ 

If you have concerns about a root canal or the materials used during treatment, ask your dental provider to explain your options and the evidence behind them. 

What to ask your dental provider 

If you are weighing a root canal, here are honest questions to bring: 

• Why is this tooth a candidate for a root canal rather than extraction? 

• What happens if I choose not to treat it right now? 

• What are the risks of leaving an infected tooth untreated? 

• Are there concerns about materials that we should discuss? 

If you’re weighing a root canal against other options, talk with your dental provider about what your exam and X-rays show. They can explain the benefits and risks of each approach and help you decide what makes sense for your tooth. 

Holistic dentistry and root canals: what does the evidence say? FAQs 

Still have questions about root canals and holistic dentistry? These answers address a few common concerns. 

Is it safer to extract a tooth than to get a root canal? 

Not necessarily. Extraction removes the tooth, while root canal treatment is designed to save a tooth that can still be treated. Which option makes more sense depends on the condition of your tooth, the surrounding bone and your overall treatment needs. Your dental provider can compare both options with you. 

Can bacteria really stay trapped after a root canal? 

Root canal treatment cleans and seals the inside of the tooth. A treated tooth can sometimes become reinfected or need more treatment later.³ That is different from the claim that a root canal routinely spreads bacteria or illness throughout the body. Current evidence does not support that broader claim. 

Do holistic dental providers always oppose root canals? 

Not every practitioner who uses terms such as holistic or biological dentistry takes the same approach. Ask what they recommend for your tooth, why they recommend it and what evidence supports that choice. 

Should I be worried if I've already had a root canal? 

Current evidence does not show that a properly performed root canal causes systemic illness. If you have pain, swelling or other changes around a treated tooth, have your dental provider check it. Otherwise, keep up with your regular dental care. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: “Root Canals.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/root-canals 

² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Tooth Disorders.” https://medlineplus.gov/toothdisorders.html 

³ American Association of Endodontists: “Myths About Root Canals.” https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/