Honest answers to basic questions about this not-so-great pain treatment

By Dr. Lewis Gross

How do I know if I need a root canal?

When a tooth is dying, a common method of treating the pain is with a root canal. However, this is not always the best choice of treatment. There are safer alternatives that are often less invasive and less expensive. If the tooth senses cold, it’s still vital—it can be saved with an herbal filling. If the tooth senses hot pain, the nerve inflammation is less reversible, but it’s worth trying to save the tooth, which is the holistic approach. To find a holistic dentist, see the referral list at iaomt.com.  

What should I do if I’ve already had a root canal?

Get a 3-D cone beam CBCT x-ray to determine if the tooth is still diseased. Chronic infections don’t always show up on a traditional 2-D x-ray, and because the tooth is dead, it may not hurt. The most noticeable sign might be tenderness when biting, or a tooth that feels “different” when it’s tapped. Not all dentists provide 3-D technology; it might be necessary to get a referral to a holistic dentist or radiology specialist.

I know I have a cavity, but why do I need a root canal?

Traditional dentists may recommend a root canal if a previous filling or new decay is close to a nerve, or if there’s pain under a crown. Removing the nerves and blood vessels that are the tooth’s vital organs may temporarily stop the pain, but it kills the tooth. The dead tissue decomposes, the resulting pus and gas have no place to escape, and the bacteria are entombed in bone. 

An alternative is to clean the cavity with ozone and place an herbal filling, which calms the nerve and allows it to regenerate. If the pain is under a crown, ask a dentist to try redoing the crown, which may not fit correctly. If the dentist refuses, find a trusted dentist who listens to patients’ concerns.

My dentist claims root canals are safe. What are the dangers?

Doing a root canal on an already-infected tooth entombs bacteria in the bone. These microbes, which don’t need air, are some of the most dangerous microorganisms. They have been associated with many systemic illnesses and can harbor Lyme disease spirochetes. A tooth has thousands of microtubules where they can survive even after a root canal. As a result, the patient’s body remains in a constant state of battle with these infections, which may lead to pockets of dead bone. Living in a state of inflammation is like being at war with oneself. 

It’s always better to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. If extraction is necessary, infected teeth should be removed using ozone and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) stem cells. Metal-free implants or Valplast partials are excellent replacements. A holistic oral surgeon will have experience with these treatments. 

Dr. Lewis Gross is director of Holistic Dentistry, located at 17 Park Place, in Tribeca. For appointments or more information, call 212-732-2200 or visit Holistic-Dentists.com.