Root Canal Treatment: A Holistic Perspective from Lotus Dental Wellness

Feb 26

“Root Canaled teeth are not healthy, they are dead. These teeth typically turn brown, green, and black over time.” – Dr. Shepard DeLong.

At Lotus Dental Wellness, we believe in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care that considers your overall health. Today, we'd like to share some insights about root canal treatment and our alternative approaches.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure, with approximately 25 million performed annually in the United States. While it aims to save a severely damaged tooth, we take a different approach based on holistic dentistry principles.

Root Canal Treated Teeth: A Closer Look

From a holistic perspective, root canal-treated teeth require special consideration:

Dead Tooth: A root canal-treated tooth is essentially a "dead" tooth, as the procedure removes the tooth's living tissues.
Bacterial Colonization: Despite treatment, bacteria can still inhabit the tooth's dentinal tubules, potentially leading to ongoing issues.
Potential Health Risks: Some holistic practitioners, including Swiss Biohealth, believe that root canal-treated teeth may contribute to systemic health issues such as:
- Chronic Low-Grade Infections: Leftover bacteria can persist, possibly leading to hidden infections that may not show up on X-rays.
- Toxic Byproducts: Anaerobic bacteria trapped inside the tooth may release toxins that can enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to inflammation.
- Systemic Disease Connection: Emerging research suggests a possible link between root canals and conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue.
- Jawbone Cavitations: In some cases, unresolved infections can lead to cavitations—areas of dead bone in the jaw that may cause discomfort or systemic effects.

Our Approach at Lotus Dental Wellness

At Lotus Dental Wellness, we do not offer or recommend root canals. Instead, we provide alternative treatments that align with our holistic philosophy:

Tooth Extraction: We offer gentle tooth extraction as a primary option.
Ceramic Dental Implants: We recommend biocompatible ceramic implants for tooth replacement.
Bridges: For some patients, a bridge might be a better option than an implant.

It's important to note that each patient is unique, and we tailor our approach to individual needs. If you've had a root canal in the past or wish to have one, we maintain a no-shame policy. Our goal is to provide information and support for your dental health decisions.

Treatment Options and Considerations

At Lotus Dental Wellness, we offer a range of holistic treatment options:

Holistic Oral Surgery: We view extractions and implant placements as part of your healing journey.
Biocompatible Materials: We use materials that are as compatible with your body as possible.
Ozone Therapy: This advanced technique aids in disinfection and promotes healing. Learn more here.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): We use your own healing factors to assist in the recovery process. Learn more here.
Advanced Technology: We utilize YOMI the Robot for precise implant placement and optimal results. Meet Yomi here.

Most patients report minimal pain after our procedures, thanks to our comprehensive approach.

Benefits of Ceramic Implants

Ceramic implants offer several advantages:

Aesthetics: They closely resemble natural teeth.
Biocompatibility: Ceramic implants are highly compatible with human tissue.
Hypoallergenic: They're ideal for patients with metal sensitivities.
Reduced Bacterial Adhesion: Ceramic implants may accumulate fewer bacterial biofilms than titanium implants.

[Read our past blog post about the Benefits of Ceramic Implants.]

Making an Informed Decision

The decision between extraction, implants, or other options should be made on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider include:

The extent of tooth damage
Your overall health status
Long-term prognosis
Your personal preferences and values

A Partnership in Your Oral Health

At Lotus Dental Wellness, we're committed to partnering with you in your oral health journey. We provide the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your dental care.

Remember, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body. By taking a holistic approach to your dental care, we aim to support not just your oral health, but your overall well-being.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact us. At Lotus Dental Wellness, we're here to help you achieve optimal oral health in harmony with your whole-body wellness.

📞 Call our office at (503) 684-4174

Citations:

Megan Wise