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What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled


Robyn Openshaw - Updated: March 21, 2024 - - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links


Photo of woman with mouth open and dentist with surgical tools from "What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled" by Green Smoothie Girl

When I had two root canal teeth extracted by my biological dentist, I paid a few hundred dollars for an analysis of what bacteria were found in these "dead" teeth. I want to tell you what I learned when got my results back from the lab in Colorado.

Weighing a Root Canal VS Extraction

In this article:

 

Why My Root Canal Failed

My holistic dentist had told me previously that both of my root-canal teeth were failing.1 Since then, I’ve talked to half a dozen other dentists and people who have extensive experience with root canals about why root canals fail.

Dental Damage from Earlier Years

You would think that with all the good health habits I have, I would have better luck with my teeth. I confess to being more than a little disappointed that a bone graft and so much dental work would be required, notwithstanding my earlier years of eating lots of candy, ice cream, and diet soda.

All Root Canals Fail Years Later

But did you know that the EXPECTED time that a root canal lasts is a max of ten years? That’s right—endodontists KNOW that their procedure has a very limited life.

My brother Dave was in an ATV accident where his teeth planted in the steering wheel and killed ten of them. He had root canals on all of them, and guess what happened ten years later?

Yep, they were all failing.

Signs of Root Canal Infection

Woman holding jaw in pain from "What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled" by Green Smoothie Girl

Sensitivity, blisters on the gum, pain, and even rashes can indicated a failed root canal.

But what about those first ten years? Are those pleomorphic organisms trapped in an anaerobic environment, in a dead organ, really contained during that time? Answer: no, they’re not! “Failing” just means that there are visible, discernible signs of rampant infection and decay. Teeth don't get that way overnight! When a root canal infection is obvious, you can be sure the problem has existed for quite some time.

Failed Root Canal Symptoms

In my case, the signs of infection were mild tooth sensitivity and a blister on the gums covering the tooth. I also had a raging, itchy rash on my trunk and arms that came and went for 2.5 months, until I realized it was related to my teeth.

Sick & Tired? Dental Work May be the Culprit

What Happens to the Root Canaled Tooth?

Have you ever thought about the fact that the tooth is an organ? Biological dentists know this. Each tooth is part of an interconnected meridian in the body. When you decide to keep a dead tooth in your mouth through a root canal, you are truly fossilizing a dead organism in your living mouth. How can we think this won’t cause problems?!

Bacteria Found in the Samples

My test results came back saying that 10 bacteria were detected in the tooth sample. None of them were in the “active” concentration, where the microorganism is alive and well and not being effectively attacked by my immune system.

But two were in the “bright” concentration, which means “heavy concentration of the microorganism.”

The two most worrying bacteria were:

Photo of female scientist looking into microscope from "What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled"

Getting your tooth tested with a bacteria sample can show if your root canal is infected.

Different Bacteria in the Body

I didn't panic about this. The fact is, everybody has candida (a parasitic fungi like yeast), everybody has cancer, most people probably have strep and even MRSA micro-organisms too. Everybody has many yeasts, molds, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and the toxic waste byproducts of those critters in their blood and guts and organs.

Believe it or not, candida can actually have valid functions in the human body. In proportion, when we're talking about tiny amounts in a teeming, healthy ecosystem, it’s not a problem.

When Should You Worry About the Bacteria?

The problem is when those baddies get out of hand, when the good guys in the body, like macrophages and healthy microorganisms, are overcome (by antibiotics! GMO-frankenfoods! sugar-feeding yeast and fungus!) and the baddies get out of control.

Killing tissues/organs such as your teeth, then trapping the bacteria in the teeth, deprived of oxygen, makes the baddies become super-psychos. That’s a gross oversimplification, but a google search on those two bacteria reveal that my own two breeds of baddies cause heart attacks, impaired immune response, and infections!2

Shudder.

After the Root Canal Tooth Extraction

It was weird to be missing two teeth for a while, but I was glad to be rid of the super-psychos.

The dentist offered me an antibiotic the day of my surgery, since he knew the baddies were out and running around. I said no thanks, that I wanted to help my body manage it. And it did. Every time I think of this, I send a gratitude message inward, thanking my body for heroic immune function during a rough patch!

What was the experience like if you’ve ever had a root canal? If you could choose, would you have a root canal or have the tooth extracted? Share your story in the comments section below.

Up Next: How To Find A Good Biological Dentist: 10 Questions To Ask

Photograph of Robyn Openshaw, founder of Green Smoothie GirlRobyn Openshaw, MSW, is the bestselling author of The Green Smoothies Diet, 12 Steps to Whole Foods, and 2017’s #1 Amazon Bestseller and USA Today Bestseller, Vibe. Learn more about how to make the journey painless, from the nutrient-scarce Standard American Diet, to a whole-foods diet, in her free video masterclass 12 Steps to Whole Foods.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that help support the GSG mission without costing you extra. I recommend only companies and products that I use myself.

Photo of woman with mouth open and dentist with surgical tools with post's text from "What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled" by Green Smoothie Girl

Sources

  1. Zehnder, Matthias, and Georgios N Belibasakis. “On the Dynamics of Root Canal Infections-What We Understand and What We Don't.” Virulence, Taylor & Francis, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4601489/.
  2. Georgalas, C., Kanagalingam, J., Zainal, A., Ahmed, H., Singh, A., & Patel, K. S. (2002). The Association between Periodontal Disease and Peritonsillar Infection: A Prospective Study. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery126(1), 91–94. https://doi.org/10.1067/mhn.2002.121318

 

Editor's note: This post was originally published on November 23, 2012 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Posted in: Dental Health, Detox, Health Concerns, Holistic Care

36 thoughts on “What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled”

Leave a Comment
  1. Joseph says:

    I have three RC teeth, 1 titanium implant, and 1 missing tooth. The missing tooth came about when a dentist tried doing a filling on my upper left second molar and clipped one of the nerves. I had sensitivity to hot and cold but only on the side where the nerve was. So for weeks my dentist kept telling me to wait it out. This could have gone on for months. I went to my Uncle who is a DDS and he tried replacing the filling thinking it just needed to be adjusted and he saw the clipped nerve. He immediately tried doing the root canal but didn’t think he could complete it because the location and complexity. Two days later he sent me to an endo and for 2.5 hours he tried to fill one canal that went inward. He reluctantly told me to have it pulled. 1.5 hours later with an oral surgeon it came out.

    Hopefully this is for the best, but posts like this really have me thinking. I have 2 RCT that are 8-10 years and crown wise could use some TLC. At this point knowing what I know now about RCT I would avoid it if possible. In certain circumstances dental implants aren’t feasible do to lack of function since you need to extract the tooth and wait months for it to heal and secondly cosmetic since not many people want a gaping hole for their front teeth. Also money and compatibility play a roll. An implant can range from $1500-$5000 easily and that usually doesn’t include extraction, abutment, crown, or the possibility of a bone graph or sinus lift.

    You can also go with Zirconium but they are usually more expensive, less doctors are trained to implant them, they are said to be not as durable. BUT if money is no problem there are some huge pros for them. Their restorative margin is at gum level making it easy to clean. They are white so the gum stays pink. One piece designs eliminates gingival concerns. Zirconium don’t have the allergy concerns titanium does.

    With this being said RCT or extraction and/or Implants (any kind) are a big time decision and very costly.

  2. vikas deepak says:

    Hey Robyn and everyone who had their root canaled teeth pulled, can you please tell me if the peridonatal ligament was also removed and the bone underneath cleansed? Is only pulling the tooth our sufficient? I am in delhi, india, and i can’t find any holisitc dentists around. My mother is suffering a serious autoimmune disease and we would like to get all her root canaled teeth pulled out and my internet search tells me that only pulling out the teeth is not enough and that the peridontal ligament also has to be removed. Was it removed in your case? waiting for your reply.

    1. AH says:

      Delhi has holistic dentists (at least the mercury free ones…I live in Bangalore and I’m planning to get all 3 RC teeth removed. I think I will get this done from an oral surgeon. Yes, Periodontal ligament should be removed, the socket should be cleaned out and surrounding bone too should be scraped clean to ensure no bacteria is left there…check this with your oral surgeon.

      1. Rm says:

        Have you pulled your rootcanal tooth?I,’m from Bangalore and have swelling of glands,Pain and sensation on my head,swollen eyes and blurred vision after RC.Did you find a Dentist in Bangalore?I wish to remo ve it ASAP. Waiting for your reply

        1. Robyn says:

          Yes, I did. I pulled them. And now my doc Dr. Michelle Jorgenson says she has new methods to safely avoid me ever having a root canal again. American Fork, Utah.

          1. Rm says:

            Thanks for your reply.Start oil pulling for 15 mins daily.Will post somemoreusefull links later.

          2. McKell says:

            Robyn, I’ve noticed you’ve mentioned doctors from Bountiful, Lindon, and now AF. I live in Ogden and am leaning towards Dr. Wall. Is there a reason for the different doctors? Also, is your energy practitioner you mentioned above looking or new patrons? I can’t find her or her practice online. Thank you!

          3. Katrina says:

            I had a root canal 33 years ago. Started having pain in the toothache and gums. Also having numbness and tingling in gums, lip into nose. I started oil pulling with coconut oil when it hurts. The pain goes away in minutes. I started having this problem months ago when I was given levoquin antibiotic. I have been sick every couple of months for almost 2 years. No one can tell me why. Going to have the tooth pulled. Scared because it is the top front tooth. Not sure what avenue to chose and what will work in my budget.

        2. Ar says:

          Hi Rm, Hi AH, Could you please recommend me a dentist in Bangalore, for pulling my root canalled second molar tooth, which is causing me systemic issue like stomach ulcer ? Would oral surgeons remove the periodontal ligament . I am keen to hear your experience during/after the extraction. Did it work out fine and were the symptoms relieved after extraction ? Hope to hear back from you.

    2. Marta says:

      Yes, Vikas, you are correct.
      Have you found out any more information? Hope your mother has found the right dentist and is feeling better.

      All the best,
      Marta

  3. Vanessa says:

    Please Help! I live in the NYC area and would like to know of a good biological dentist that can safely remove my root canal. My health is declining rapidly.

    1. Marta says:

      Vanessa,

      Any luck? I am in NYC too and would love to get a recommendation.
      Be well!

    2. Gerald Collins says:

      Any luck?

  4. christydh says:

    Thank you so much for your story. I have a root canal extraction scheduled for October and I want to be ready for it. Does Ellen do any long distance (phone or Skype) healing?

  5. AH says:

    Hi Robyn, the fact that I have come across your post now only means that I’m now getting ready to remove my root canal teeth (3 of them). I dont have any holistic dentist and I will have to figure out and work with a regular one. Anyway your blog has given me the additional reassurance that what I plan to do is the right thing….Thank You. Hope you figured out a solution or simply comfortable with missing teeth. I will look for your latest posts now…

  6. Donna says:

    Eight days ago, I had a tooth pulled that had a root canal done on it many years back. The extraction was very traumatic as the dentist had a difficult time removing the roots. He was able to remove one of them but left the other because he said it was impacted in the bone and he would do more damage trying to get it out. I ended up with a dry socket and I am still experiencing swelling and pain in the jaw and temple that wakes me up at night. Also feel like my glands in my neck are swollen. He put me on an antibiotic on the 5th day after the extraction. I am kicking myself for not using the biological dentist I’ve seen in the past. Is this normal for the pain and swelling to last this long and should I be concerned that he left one of the root there?

    1. Kris says:

      Hi, I’m actually going through exact same thing now, my dentist also had a difficult time removing the roots,he left one of the roots as it just wouldn’t come out, Very painful over a week after being at the dentist.
      I was wondering what happened after your experience?

      1. Robyn says:

        Kris, it would be a small BOOK to tell what happened after this experience. but you’ve got to get ANOTHER (competent) dentist and get that root out! full of infection, and will spread throughout your body when your immune system is weak.

  7. becky says:

    Hello, I have congestive heart failure on both sides and at stage 4. My prognosis is dim and I’m lucky to still be here because 20% make to 18 months. 18 months for me was last February. However, since Feb. I’ve not been doing well and was in the hospital for a mild heart attack last month. Someone mentioned about removing my root canal. I’ve been reading up on it. Do you know any good oral surgeons in the Seattle Area? And exactly what are you talking about when you say your friend did a voodoo thing on you, would you elaborate on this and let me know if there is anyone available here as well. Thank you very much

    1. Belle412 says:

      Hi Becky, how are you doing and did you find a dentist and ‘healer’, and get your issues sorted? I have found one of the best dentists ever (Dr Da Cruz, he has people travel from interstate and overseas to see him & he travels overseas to teach) however he is in Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia, which is near Canberra. You could search for his email, write and ask for a recommendation near you, or how you can find one. You mentioned ‘voodoo’, you could try looking up kinesiology and asking around for a good one. After an aviation crash, it was a kinesiologist that got me on a path to good health. I didn’t even know what it was however I was told by medicos that they couldn’t help me any more. A kinesiologist can test you up for nutrient deficiencies. I’ve had mine verified with a quantum biofeedback machine and medical blood tests. I have seen a kinesiologist for physical and emotional issues, with good results. If you haven’t, consider getting your vit D checked. Hope you are doing better. Blessings.

  8. Nikki Dunbar says:

    Where did you get your tooth analyzed?? I am trying to find a lab or someplace that will check my root canal tooth… I want to get it extracted and then checked to see what kinda of bacteria show up. Thanks!

  9. Patrick says:

    I have a root canal and want it out. Is it possible to just pull it myself?

    1. Belle412 says:

      After my exerience, I wouldn’t attempt it. The correct tools, skill and sterile equipment, appear to be paramount. I had an excellent dentist who knew what he was doing and it took a lot of effort, cutting the tooth into parts to ensure getting it all out, pulling with the correct twisting technique to ensure it doesn’t break and scraping the bone to ensure all bacteria is out. He did an xray when finished, to check, and he needed to do more cleaning/infection removal. Good luck. I now look at seeing a good dentist, as being a part of important health care, for the longer term and definitely worth the investment in a good dentist as it could cost more later, if not seen to, and even damage to the bone and overall health. Good luck.

  10. Amanda says:

    Robyn,
    I know this is awhile after you posted, but I have to thank you so much for this. 5 years ago, I got a route canal due to tooth trauma and thought it would last much longer than it really did. About two weeks ago, I was told that I had an infection in the tooth and it would have to be pulled. The worst part is that it’s my front tooth and I was really worried. After doing LOTS of research about extractions and bridges (finding out about the types of bridges like Maryland bridge which i think is best, but what would you recommend), I found your blog and it really helped calm me down. In fact, now I believe that it’s actually a GOOD idea and I don’t think I’ll ever get another route canal again. Thanks!

    1. Kristie says:

      Hey Amanda,

      I am in the same boat as you! I am 32 yrs old and have been incredibly ill with migraines every day and autoimmune issues since 23. Lost everything in my life because I’ve been totally debilitated.

      Since researching the dangers of root canals, i decided to remove mine that i got in high school and replace with a zirconium implant. Not an easy call since its a prime front tooth!! But it could be making me sick… and will only worsen over time, so its better to do it now while I’m young and can generate bone for an implant and heal versus later after my immune system is totally destroyed.

      Almost 2 wks ago i had it pulled by a bio dentist with ozone therapy, prf and bone graft (used my own jaw bone). It is the tooth next to one of the main from teeth and i am freaking out about what is worse… an infected root canal potentially slowly killing me or if the dental implant is placed improperly leaving spacing etc or if it fails later in life due to bone loss. Unfortunately i won’t know what its going to look like for another 6 months. I pray it looks natural and aligns with my smile!!

      What i will say for everyone is that I’ve had numerous x rays done on this tooth. All showed nothing in terms of a visible infection. However, when the dentist pulled it, low and behold there was a an active draining infection, too small to show on an xray. Could this have been what crashed my body 10yrs ago? Who knows.

      But just to prepare everyone, you may not feel this overwhelming sense of immediate greatness that others have reported. I haven’t felt well and I’m approaching the 2 week mark. This is expected though, since lots of deadly toxic bacteria are released not to mention the trauma of surgery and anesthesia on the body. In a way, i think the more of a problem the tooth was actually causing your body, the more you will feel that post surgery. My body has been struggling for years and has done pretty darn well with this even if i haven’t felt wonderful.

      Big decision, folks. It comes down to a choice of the lesser evil. What’s worse? An infected root canal (which they all are) wreaking havoc on your body? Or dealing with possible implant related drama potentially for the rest of your life? Time will tell on what the implant will look lile and what the tooth removal will improve health wise for me, but at least I know now what I’ve prevented especially with a visible infection.

      1. Alena says:

        Hi. Can you tell me if you’ve felt any improvement in your health since removing the tooth?

      2. Jasmine says:

        Can you please provide any updates? 1 year later would be great to know

    2. Jami says:

      Did you have any relief? There are a lot of posts about people having their root canalled teeth pulled, but not many responses on whether or not it helped their illnesses.

      Hope you can help!

  11. Kenz says:

    I just want to say how beautiful this story is… I will share it and share it… please also look up some ayuvedic healing and diet for after toxic root canal teeth are pulled… apple cider vinegar (highly dilute and organic only w the mother***) lots of oral health after and before … maybe some charcoal brushing or if organic coconut husk charcoal use as supplement form …
    To pull out toxins

  12. Allis says:

    How do I find out if my root canaled teeth are failing

    1. Jess here, Blog Manager for GSG. I’ve alerted Kami on our support team about your question. For future questions or concerns, email support123@greensmoothiegirl.com. Thanks for following the GSG!

    2. Jess says:

      ​G​ood afternoon​, ​Thank you for commenting on our blog! When Robyn says “a failed root canal,” she means one that is causing you problems such as pain, tenderness ​when biting, swelling of the gum​s​​ among other things. Since we are not dentists here at greensmoothiegirl, please see your dentist if you think you are having dental problems.

      Robyn recommends seeing a biological or holistic dentist. ​https://greensmoothiegirl.local/?s=root+canal

  13. Karla says:

    I am grateful to hear of your experience with your tooth and the research you’ve done about …..life expectancy of a root canal-tooth. I am having my first adult molar pulled tomorrow because of infection. I had some sensitivity and put clove essential oil on it……..i had sensitivity when using my waterpic……but not much pain at all. I had it checked by dentist. It was xrayed and they didn’t see much but on exam- his probe went far below gum line and pus came out. I did start an antibiotic……….it was a foreign experience for me to go to a pharmacy and pick up a prescription……..it is unusual for me to see doctors………..I had problems with my teeth (8 years ago I had 2 root canals). Now I understand why it may be better to just get the tooth pulled in the first place because #1-they don’t last long and #2 they are expensive. Thanks for your insight. As for energy healing and that kind of work……….I understand all of that…………..I do that work myself. Thank you again for this post.

  14. Rm says:

    Found it useful from http://www.oil pulling.org.

    I HAVE BEEN OIL-PULLING FOR APPROX. 4 MOS. 1HAVE A GOLD CROWN ON LOWER MOLAR AND HAVE NOTICED LATELY SWELLING OF THE GUM. MY DENTIST COULDN’T BELIEVE HOW MUCH WORSE MY GUM DISEASE WAS IN THIS AREA AND NOWI HAVE TO HAVE THAT TOOTH EXTRACTED AND MAYBE THE ONE NEXT TO IT ALSO.I DID NOT TELL DENTIST ABOUT THE OIL-PULLING BUT AM WONDERING IF THE OIL CAN BE CAUSING SOFTNESS TO THE ROOTS AND JAWBONE.THE ROOT IS ALSO BROKEN ON THE TOOTH WITH THE CROWN. I HAD A ROOT CANAL DONE ON THAT TOOTH.PLEASE ANSWER [TK Rao]

    This is peculiar since there were no cases of adverse effects of OP on gums. In fact it was found to be effective in reducing the swelling of gums.

    After reading the above,I feel oil pulling has cured and eliminated the toxic tooth.As I’m still finding a Dentist In Bangalore.I tried oil pulling last week and then all my root canal issues peaked up.I felt someone plucking the tooth without anesthesia each time I walk jump or shake my head.So then I stopped oil pulling and syptoms reduced with swollen face glands ,neck and back pain, temple andjaw bone pain,nerve pain in my left part of my head.These symptoms come d go after my root canal.One year back they removed my buried wisdom tooth.but the pain didn’t elapse.So after oil pulling yesterday and today.There’s 70% less pain.Feeling fresh d relaxed.Swelling haz gone all-over with mild sensations.I feel great as before.Though I intuitively feel this dead tooth will come out.Will continue to detox d oil pull and in the meantime find a Dentist too.

    Thanks for this enlightening website.

    1. sandy says:

      hi rm,
      I started coconut oil pulling while living in bali 2 years ago. After 4 months of it, I started to experience some severe health issues..insomnia, bleeding gums, adrenal fatigue. after numerous doctor visits, I discovered that the oil was vaporizing the metal from my amalgam fillings. I had them removed, but the over load of metal toxicity is still something I’m dealing with 2 years later. I still have 2 root canals done in peru,and not sure if the out metal under the crowns, so hoping to find a great holistic dentist who can remove and/or possible put zirconium implants? still unsure? but a caveat to all those oil pulling, please be aware if u have metal in your mouth, it will vaporize those as well 🙁
      blessings and good luck to all 🙂

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