What Happened When My Root-Canal Teeth Were Pulled
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
- All Root Canals Fail Years Later
- Signs of Root Canal Infection
- What Happens to the Root Canaled Tooth?
- Bacteria Found in the Samples
- When Should You Worry About the Bacteria?
- After the Root Canal Tooth Extraction
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
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.
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:
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
Robyn 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.
Sources
- 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/.
- 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 Surgery, 126(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
What options do I have besides antibiotics? I got my root canal tooth pulled today, and am not interested in weakening my body any more with antibiotics. Just wondering which alternatives you chose?
Alternative antibiotic is concentrated allicin supplement made from garlic. Got it through Amazon. Co.UK. is better than raw garlic for me because doesn’t cause stomach ache like raw garlic does.
I say pull it put because root canal is just a way to prolong the problem you know you all ready have that can cause more problem in time.
Can anyone comment on the average cost to have a tooth with a root canal removed ? A molar?
I got mine pulled yesterday, it was a back molar. I don’t have insurance and it was $187. They quoted $1,600 to go in through the side to "fix" it (but they were unable to do that after all) so comparatively it’s much cheaper to pull it.
I’m having 2 side by side 20 yr old root canal and crowned teeth pulled tomorrow. Just getting numbed, curious how the pain is compared to normal tooth extraction?
Did you have to get an implant or you just let them be? My dentist is pushing for an implant but I really don’t want to!
Get an implant. It really does cause problems down the line with other teeth if you don’t, and if it’s a back molar could change your face shape. that’s not just the dentist trying to earn money, because I didn’t listen to him and now have various problems due to having had two teeth pulled and not replaced (one of which might be the infected root on the remaining molar on that side)
Yea, i’m wondering how long i have to wait before i can breastfeed after removal…due to IV sedation. Also, whats the chelation protocol for post removal of root canal tooth?
I’m only just now really finding out about this. I have a 30 year old root canal on my front tooth that has been dark for about ten years now. I have several teeth hurting right now not to mention hypothyroid and several other problems (obviously). I need to get this tooth extracted ASAP. Can anyone give me an idea of the cost of such an extraction? I know there are more important things to worry about than the money but if I don’t have the money for what amounts to an oral surgery I can’t get it done, right?
My tooth died during my several thousand dollar orthodontic treatment when I was an adolescent. I think that having slightly crooked teeth would have been much better.
I had a failed root canal pulled yesterday after getting the procedure done 4 years ago. I woke up with a sore on my gums last week, went to the dentist, who referred me to a specialist to discuss surgery to remove the infection through the side of my gums. They ended up having to pull it because the bone was too thin to hold it in place. It also turns out the sinus infection I had a year ago was a result of the tooth infection!! So it has been an issue over a year and I had no idea. My sinus infection never seemed to completely go away – because the abscess in my tooth put pressure on my sinuses. In hindsight a Dr might have advised me of a connection if I went in, but who knows. My sinus is so much clearer now, the pressure is relieved, and I have more energy. I’m sad to be missing a tooth but happy to not be worrying about the bacteria!
Hi Jess, yes, it is better to have a missing tooth than chronic infection. Best of health!!
Hi,
I’ve neglected my teeth out of fear anxiety lack of funds and a problem with self care.
Now I have a mouth full of failing teeth, infections, failed root. Annals, and at least 1$ dieseased teeh.
I’m chronically ill, need immediate dental intervention.
Scared. Can someone recommend a biodentist in New York City?
Same question for Massachusetts?
Desperate for the help.
I know I need extractions and have deep infections into the bone but want to have them done right with best chances for healing.
Everyone..please take good care of your teeth. I am 66 years old, was bulimic when I was younger and it destroyed my tooth enamel.
Neglecting my teeth What’s the stupidest thing I ever did.
Please anyone has any information let me know immediately. This is an SOS. Thank you .
Dr Gerry Curatola in NYC he’s great!!!!
I just had 10 root canal teeth pulled a couple of days ago. A dentist started pushing route canals when I was in my teens, as the best way to go to hold onto my teeth. Yet as I aged, I experienced so many health issues over the decades, that I am very excited about the possibilities of improved health. I am now 62 and I was a world traveler before health slowed me down. The major issues relate to my immune system. Everyone knows if your immune system is whack, then it won’t be long before everything else follows suit. I found myself being allergic to some of the simplest things I had never been allergic to before. I also have Hashimoto’s disease and look forward to having my thyroid perform properly or better, since a couple of the teeth were connected to thyroid meridians. I also have vitiligo after being exposed to toxic mold. I doubt that is reversible.So what am I looking for? I’m looking for improved metabolism, loss of weight, less fatigue, greater energy, memory and a stronger immune system. Right now my mouth is extremely sore and I’m having to get used to dentures because I could not afford the process for implants. I am also taking this opportunity to get off of process sugar and eat more healtfully, so that I can have a better quality of life and maybe travel again. Has anyone noticed a significant improvement in their health? Right now my gums are so sore I’m wondering if I’ll ever be able to eat anything of substance, that requires chewing ever again in life. I am also a bit worried about the appliances because I teach reading and foreign languages and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to speak clearly again. I took out a medical loan to get this work done and certainly need to be able to teach to pay off this bill. On a more positive note, I requested that my biological surgeon request My treatment through major medical instead of dental and it was approved! So my out-of-pocket was only 50% of the total cost as a post to 75 to 80%. My surgeon and his office were in shock that it got approved!
I have just had a root canaled tooth pulled out. What a nightmare. It took one hour.. they start by shoving it up into the jaw to try and loosen it and then pull. The top broke so they had to do it in pieces. Then he talked about it it breaking into the sinus and having to cut and stitch so I wouldn’t end up with water in my nose.
1/ never ever have another root canal/
2/ never get another tooth out without being knocked out…
It is now a week later and I still feel awful
My face is bruised but at least the swelling has gone down
Now I would like to know the consequences of having an implant?
Hi Jenny, a local biologic/holistic dentist can guide you to the best options. Usually titanium or even better, zirconium implants work best.
I had a root canal in October if this past year a few months ago and one week after I had it I was back at the dentist asking for antibiotics because something just seemed off in my body. Didn’t know what but it just seemed off. Dentist was out if town so his tech called him and talked with him. She told me at first that they thought that maybe I had or was coming down with the flu and said that was it I today her no I know my body and this was not the flu. The tech called dentist back and he told her to write a script for antibiotics . I also wanted to talk to him or someone about me waking up about three nights after with a nasty taste in my mouth accompanied by some kind of awful liquid. Could not get answers. My blood pressure shot up very high, felt off balanced couldn’t sleep. Then about a week after that I felt a nerve shoti g pain go from one side of my upper left jaw across my forhead to the other side of my head and down the right side of my face. I froze in my tracks and after faher myself went and sat down. Went to urgent Care a young woman saw me who was and student told me about infections in root canal and for me to go back to the dentist and let them know. I began to look for another dentist thought I found one. I still had not had crown placed. He took x-rays and talked to me he and staff
were very comforting so I let them place the crown because they said they found no infection. A week later I was back because I just didn’t feel so right and this time I had a little pain. They x-rayed and looked very closely and said Rita I think that you are being a little neurodic" I was hurt fustrated and felt like I had been passed over after being kicked to the curb and ran over by a bus. Now I continued to pray and look for HELP. I was on the phone with someone and I told them my story. I wanted them to pray with me that I needed a dentist. That just like tonight going through internet I had come across aholistic dentist and I wanted him to pray with me about this. Right before we prayed he said to me " I believe 100 percent in a holistic/ biological dentist." What a who? I said. "you won’t be disappointed". I tore up the internet looking for one here in Tulsa. Found one. Went to her and she blew my mind with all the information that we have no idea on how or what is happening to our bodies due to our teeth. I will be having her to pull the crown and root canal. I thank God. Another thing is that the office is so so clean, I mean the air is so purified in the office. Just a quick note to ask if all my symptoms will go away once I have this done. I didn’t tell you how I had to during this time pray through feeling that I was having a heart attach, the awful itching, and the sleepless nights. This is real. The root canal drama is no joke. I just want to feel better and be able to sleep at night.. pray for me. Well. That’s it. Hope it helps someone. I will let you know how everything goes. Thanks
Hi Rita, thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so glad you found a holistic dentist that is listening to you. It is very sad when other practitioners treat you like there is nothing wrong when your body is clearly telling you something IS going on. I am confident you will start to feel better after you deal with your dental issues. Best of luck and prayers to you!!
I’m in the same boat but maybe a little different waters. I’m 65 and got this my first root canal back when I was 25. Three years ago I needed a new crown on it. How the root area is infected however the oral surgeon is hesitante to pull it because I went through six weeks of radiation 14yrs ago. Until I can get the records as to what kinds of radiation it was I have to live with a abcessed stinky tooth that I hope does not affect other organs in my body. Of all the stories I’ve read yours has brought me the most comfort. Please lift my situation up in prayer. God Bless.
What side was your cancer on? Root canals are linked to cancer! Look it up
I’m in Oklahoma City. Can you give me the name of the Tulsa dentist?
Getting my failed root canal pulled changed the game for me. Back in 2006 when I was 19, I got a root canal done on a lower molar on the left side of my mouth from my childhood dentist who was not very kind, very rough handed, and seemingly money hungry. Needless to say, the root canal was done incorrectly as I later found out there was a missed root during the procedure that calcified over time. The gums around the crown never seemed to heal 100% as that area always remained puffy, and my mouth just never felt 100%. As the years went by, the crown began to leak, got infected, got harder to floss around, and wreaked havoc in my body. My breath was always embarassing, the tastes in my mouth were always bad, and I was constantly getting BV, which I didn’t even realize was related to my teeth for the longest time. Most dentists I saw didn’t bother to do anything about the tooth until 2015, when I acquired a new dentist through new insurance. He told me the tooth was badly infected and would need to be pulled and replaced with an implant. He also told me he wouldn’t be able to pull it because the tooth was too close to a nerve, so he referred me to be one of the best oral surgeons out there. The oral surgeon gave me a CT scan where he discovered that not only was root calcified and had been basically infected since I got the root canal, but that the bone was completely gone and had been replaced by a cyst that has also got infected and was causing lots of pain. After a round of antibiotics, I got the root canal tooth pulled. Almost immediately after, I started feeling so much better. No more bad breath, no more BV…I finally felt like I had gotten my old self back. Now that I know what I know, no more root canals ever. I’m more inclined to extractions and implants. Enjoyed your blog post!
Wow Veronica, thanks for sharing your experience. What an ordeal! Glad you are feeling better.
I have suffered with severe oral/facial pain in my teeth, gums, tongue and face following a root canal 13 years ago. A month ago, I had the root canal tooth extracted by a biological oral surgeon. It was a success! I have no pain at the extraction site, but I am still experiencing oral pain, ear pain, headaches, body aches and more. I thought once the tooth was pulled and all infection removed, I would feel better. What’s going on? Please help!
Hi Susan, sometimes nerve damage from the inflammation and infection can take a while to heal. Sometimes weeks or longer. Please see your biologic dentists for further evaluation. However, it may just take time for all that tissue and nerve endings to heal.
Hi Rose….I will see my integrative medicine physician in May. He did explain that damage was done by the root canal and that was most likely the reason I am still in pain. I thought once the infection was removed, I would feel better. I am so ready to get my life back!
Try fighting it with homemade bone broth and ferments.
So my issue is this. One month ago I had a root canal done on tooth number 18 today I went to the dentist to put on a permanent crown on that tooth they put it on temporarily and then they took an x-ray then they came back in the office and told me that they would not cement the crown in because the tooth is still decayed and it has to be pulled how can that happen in 1 month of time that tooth was worked on constantly 4 hours and x-ray two or three times I’m so disappointed
Do you get implants on the root canal teeth? I’ve had a RC for about 10 years and dentist said he sees a vertical
crack and I need it pulled. I’m fresking out.
Hi Shannon, yes most people get zirconium or titanium implants.