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Original poster

Has anyone got a root canal and is nervous of all the social media posts about how dangerous they are?

38 replies

RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 11:57

I have a root canal at the front. A dentist kindly killed the healthy tooth for me 15 years ago whilst replacing a veneer (filed it down further to improve the look and exposed the pulp). So I then had a failed root canal and finally a successful root canal done my a specialist and a crown fitted.

I live with it pretty successfully. I do get some gum inflammation around it so have to be absolutely scrupulous about my hygiene and see the hygienist every three months, use a water irrigator daily etc.

I am due another set of X-rays so I can’t say categorically nothing bad is happening to the bone, but two years ago things looked okay.

Now to the point. I keep getting all these videos through that day how dangerous root canals are. That they are incredibly detrimental to your health and it should be pulled and an implant put in instead. I’m not against that but it’s going to be really hard to go without a front tooth for a year while all the work is done. Anyone else worrying like me or do you think it’s just nonsense and root canals are fine?

OP posts:
CornishGem1975 · 21/10/2023 11:59

Haven't seen a single thing so no idea what you're referring to. What is the problem?

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:03

That having a dead tooth left in the mouth can cause issues with bacteria build up that goes into the body through the lymphatic system and can cause inflammation and potentially serious illnesses.

OP posts:
nozbottheblue · 21/10/2023 12:04

I wonder if these scaremongering stories are funded by the implant industry? I have several filled root canals and have not heard any of these scare stories.
As you know, once you click on one of these stories on social media you get sent more. Perhaps ignore them?

Thelondonone · 21/10/2023 12:04

No, I’ve had it fine and 36 years later I’m still here.

SoIinvictus · 21/10/2023 12:05

Both me and dp.
Best thing I ever did.
Where are the links to show this perceived danger?

theduchessofspork · 21/10/2023 12:05

RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:03

That having a dead tooth left in the mouth can cause issues with bacteria build up that goes into the body through the lymphatic system and can cause inflammation and potentially serious illnesses.

Sounds like a pile of bollocks to me

SM not the best place for health advice

Blanketpolicy · 21/10/2023 12:06

I havent heard a thing about it either so just googled it. It doesn't sound any different to any other potential health issues you can have if you have dental issues.

If you have bacteria in your mouth from decay in teeth or gum disease you can have significant health issues (dh had in the past but has never had a root canal), whether that is from a tooth that has had a root canal or a tooth that has hidden decay. Or have I missed something?

HoppingPavlova · 21/10/2023 12:06

I have zero understanding. Why do you need to wait a year? DH has had every dental issue imaginable, including root canal and other implants. Nothing as dramatic as your post though.

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:06

Yes of course you are right about the algorithms!!! It just worries me as I feel like I can’t do anything about it right now and the thought of it being some dead thing in my mouth kind of disgusts me.

OP posts:
Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:08

HoppingPavlova · 21/10/2023 12:06

I have zero understanding. Why do you need to wait a year? DH has had every dental issue imaginable, including root canal and other implants. Nothing as dramatic as your post though.

When my mum has an implant I know that there was a six month settling period at least. I think she also had to have treatment to her bone. So there will be a period of time with a missing front tooth which is going to be very difficult in my front-of-house job.

OP posts:
nozbottheblue · 21/10/2023 12:08

If it was just a dead tooth left in the mouth then yes, it could be a source of infection but when a root canal is drilled out, all sources of infection are removed and a dressing with bleach is inserted to get rid of anything nasty, before the permanent filling is inserted. Dentists have been doing this for a long time and know what the risks are!

Lollygaggle · 21/10/2023 12:09

I've done thousands of root canals and I have a root canal filled tooth myself.

The whole "cavitation" and root canal danger thing is a load of woo woo and Dr Hal Huggins who was amongst those promoting this was struck off, the theory is only subscribed to by a tiny minority of dentists, mostly in America , many of whom have made very profitable practices promoting this .

mynameiscalypso · 21/10/2023 12:10

Well, I think the social media thing is complete crap. But I did end up with an infection under my root canal which meant the whole tooth had to be removed - it was pretty obvious though and was only after 25 years of the root canal working perfectly.

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:11

Lollygaggle · 21/10/2023 12:09

I've done thousands of root canals and I have a root canal filled tooth myself.

The whole "cavitation" and root canal danger thing is a load of woo woo and Dr Hal Huggins who was amongst those promoting this was struck off, the theory is only subscribed to by a tiny minority of dentists, mostly in America , many of whom have made very profitable practices promoting this .

Thank you 💐

OP posts:
maximist · 21/10/2023 12:12

I've had several root canal treatments, some the dating back 30 years, and never had an issue with any of them.

TheFlis · 21/10/2023 12:12

RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:08

When my mum has an implant I know that there was a six month settling period at least. I think she also had to have treatment to her bone. So there will be a period of time with a missing front tooth which is going to be very difficult in my front-of-house job.

Edited
Show quote history

They don’t just leave you with a gap! You have a temporary bridge or denture in the meantime (I have just had an implant front tooth done).

IdaPolly · 21/10/2023 12:12

nozbottheblue · 21/10/2023 12:04

I wonder if these scaremongering stories are funded by the implant industry? I have several filled root canals and have not heard any of these scare stories.
As you know, once you click on one of these stories on social media you get sent more. Perhaps ignore them?

I was going to say the same about the videos maybe being by people promoting implants

Badbadbunny · 21/10/2023 12:13

You're seeing all those videos because of the computer algorithms which have picked up on your search history!

The vast majority of people have no problems with their root canal treatments. Major problems are extremely rare.

The vast majority of people don't see videos on their tablet about root canal treatments!

The firms behind the advertising are just scaremongering so more people will be scared into using their services!

FrancisSeaton · 21/10/2023 12:14

I'm sure those who share this sort of misinformation talk about 'heavy metals' in a total serious and unironic way and claim to have 'looked it up'

Original poster
RudsyFarmer · 21/10/2023 12:16

TheFlis · 21/10/2023 12:12

They don’t just leave you with a gap! You have a temporary bridge or denture in the meantime (I have just had an implant front tooth done).

Show quote history

Have you?!! Oooh tell me about it. How long did it take from the tooth being pulled to he implant being fitted and are you happy with the results?

OP posts:
MrsSlocombesCat · 21/10/2023 12:17

I had a root canal 30 years ago and it’s never been a problem.

fetchacloth · 21/10/2023 12:17

I've got 14 of these so I'm fucked.
However most were done in the 1990s and I'm still here, alive and well, so I'm not going to lose sleep over it now. 😊

Gettingbysomehow · 21/10/2023 12:20

I have several implants. If they are at the front they give you a false tooth. I've had mine for over 10 years no problems. I've had my root canal and crown for 30 years. Also no problem.

Paddleboarder · 21/10/2023 12:22

I haven't root canal but know people who have and years later they are fine, never had any issues.

WandaWonder · 21/10/2023 12:23

I had it but didn't know I had it, I asked the densit when it was going to happen and they said 'you just had it' felt nothing really, not heard any stories

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