In all the discussions and debates about healthcare, it seems somehow as if dental care rarely gets mentioned. I was reminded about this by Dr. Joseph Mercola, who just made an interesting video about the dangers of root canals, how they allow dangerous bacteria to grow and potentially poison our systems. I should mention that I’ve had my differences with Dr. Mercola in the past–mainly about his promotion of nutritional supplements, which I detailed in a BusinessWeek.com article earlier this year. But he often presents important information and viewpoints, such as about the persecution of raw milk sellers.
Anyway, he uses his concerns about root canal treatment to make the larger point that our dental health is a reflection of the health of our overall systems. There’s a tendency in our compartmentalized and specialized approach to healthcare to forget this important point.
I also learned today, though, that there are significant differences in attitude even among holisitic providers of dental care. I happen to have a tooth diagnosed as requiring root canal, and actually have an appointment in late January with an endodontist to have the tooth treated. After I heard Dr. Mercola’s warning last week, I made an appointment with my dentist (not the endodontist), who bills himself as a holistic provider based on his avoidance of mercury-based fillings and use of topical gum treatments rather than gum surgery. (I was alarmed also because I had a root canal treatment a year ago that didn’t come out well, and had to be re-done, with a still uncertain outcome.) I just started seeing the new dentist about eight months ago, after my long-time dentist laughed one time too many when I raised concerns about mercury fillings.
So when I told my new dentist about Dr. Mercola’s assessment of root canals, the dentist said he disagrees. He said he’s researched the topic, and in his estimation root canal success is dependent completely on the endodontist’s skills. If the endodontist is skilled enough, then the root canal should work fine, with no bacterial growth; if not, then the problems Dr. Mercola describes will occur. He went on to explain the problems with full bridges, which is what Dr. Mercola advises as the best alternative to root canals (such as sacrificing three teeth to fix one, possible chipping of the supporting teeth).
Whom do I believe? That is the question. Right now, I’m inclined to believe Dr. Mercola. Generally, when there are indications of systemic health problems from one or another medical/dental procedure, they more often turn out to be true than untrue. But I need to let it sit. As in so much of healthcare, more is unknown than the professionals tend to want to let on.
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