Root Canal Dangers
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Yuriy May, DMD · Last reviewed
Root canal therapy is typically recommended when a conventional dentist notices advanced decay extending into the dentin of a tooth. The potential dangers covered on this page include low-grade and acute infections and a potential increase in systemic inflammation. The official position of the AAE, supported by the ADA, is that root canals are safe.
Understanding the potential risks of root canals is crucial for making informed dental decisions. Explore safer alternatives and gain insights into why some dental experts advise against root canals.
Dangers of Root Canals that Your [Conventional] Dentist “Forgot” to Tell You About
Side effects of root canals have been studied and documented, but are not well known by conventional dentists. Dangers behind root canals include burden and stress to the body, potential low-grade and acute infections, a potential increase in systemic inflammation, and increased risks of adverse health conditions and health problems.
Root canals may also exacerbate existing disease processes and health conditions. Root canals are systemically linked to overall health and have been scientifically studied, however, the potential dangers are rarely disclosed by conventional dentists, and root canal alternatives are seldom discussed. Holistic dentists will examine existing root canals and provide alternative to root canal treatment.
Knowledge is power, and Natural Dentistry will empower you with knowledge of root canal realities.
Root Canal Procedure Side Effects
Patients who have seen endodontists, those dentists who specialize in root canals, understand that if the one and only tool you have is a hammer, everything is a nail, and thus, with endodontists, everything is solved with a root canal. Endodontists and traditional general dentists will sell you on the wonders of root canals, and this bit of wisdom will encourage patients to RESEARCH root canal procedures, associate risk and importantly, the available alternatives. Intuition is one of our strongest, truest, and most primal internal warnings, and is understandable that over 70% of patients who have been treatment planned for a root canal prefer to avoid them. Patients are right to be wary…but maybe not for the reasons they think.
Root canal therapy is typically recommended when a conventional dentist notices advanced decay extending into the dentin of a tooth. They say this will “save” the tooth, but in reality, it saves only the outer structure. In other words, the ‘banana peel’ of the tooth is preserved, while the ‘banana fruit’ inside is sucked out, and replaced with cement. This is analogous to the tooth structure being the external hard surface and in the pulp inside the root canals of the tooth structure, which is a living organ of real tissue that made the tooth alive and supplied it with nutrients, is removed. The tooth is now dead. The patient has had experienced a “root canal” procedure. The murder of the tooth pulp, the life supply, of the tooth. The hollowed-out pulp chamber is then filled with a putty-like substance and sealed with a restoration.
Danger: Our bodies are not made of solid, impermeable structures or barriers. In other words, bones and tooth structures are not 100% non-permeable materials through which liquid or microbes cannot pass (like steel, silicone or plastic). Our bones and tissue are all semi-permeable, which means, microbes, nutrients, serum, and molecules can pass through our tooth and bone structure at all times. This leads us to the eye-opening realization that Hal Huggin’s has spent his life educating dental practitioners and patients alike on, and which holistic and biological dentists have embraced:
Teeth are NOT SOLID, our bones teeth and all tissues are all semi-permeable
There is no way to create and permeable seal using the remaining root tooth structure from the inside, or from the outside. It is impossible to seal a tooth with removed pulp, where infection or necrotic tissue once resided. A root canal cannot be “sealed” and the concept that a tooth is a solid structure is simply incorrect.
Impossible to 100% Disinfect the Inside of the Tooth by Removing the Pulp
There is no way to guarantee 100% of the bacteria/infection or dead tissue has been removed, as infections can travel through the microtubules of the actual tooth structure and a dentists’ tools, including burrs and liquid disinfectant (think bleach/alcohol/antibiotics, cannot reach all microscopic crevices of the tooth structure and reach all tissue. This means, it is nearly impossible to remove 100% of the necrotic tissue or infection.
Infection Leakage into the rest of the Body
If you cannot permanently and permeably secure the dead tooth from within with the filler substance and you cannot remove 100% of the anaerobic bacteria, infection or necrosis during the procedure, this means that a portion of the infection remains inside the tooth, cut off from all blood supply and immune system helpers (T-Cells), and the infection continuously leaks out from the tooth into the rest of the body, while festering and growing inside its chamber. Full body inflammation ensues.
Infection Leakage can Lead to Chronic Disease & Inflammation
Years later, some patients find themselves chronically ill for “unknown reasons.” Hal Huggins has found and published cases of extracting root canaled teeth, treating the extraction site of the former root canal with ozone therapy that ultimately resulted in a full return to health for the chronically ill patients.
Everything You Need to Know About Root Canal Dangers, Root Canal Side Effects In this Video Explained
As former endodontist George Meinig once said,
We believe now that every root canal filling does leak and bacteria do invade the structure. But the variable factor is the strength of the person’s immune system. Some healthy people are able to control the germs that escape from their teeth into other areas of the body. We think this happens because their immune system lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other disease fighters aren’t constantly compromised by other ailments. In other words, they are able to prevent those new colonies from taking hold in other tissues throughout the body. But over time, most people with root filled teeth do seem to develop some kinds of systemic symptoms they didn’t have before.
Turn to cancer expert Dr. Joseph Issels, and the bad news just keeps on coming:
A survey conducted at my clinic found that, on admission, ninety-eight percent (98%) of the adult cancer patients had between two and ten dead teeth, each one a dangerous toxin producing ‘factory.’ The clear implication is that no dentist had carefully evaluated those people for dental foci, oral sources of infection that affect other areas of and organs in the body.
Issels continues:
Only total, thorough dental treatment will really succeed in giving the body’s defense a chance. The growth of the tumor itself is very often distinctly slowed down by focus treatment. Now and then tumor development stops altogether, and sometimes even regresses. The head foci therefore seem not only to contribute to the development of secondary lesions, to the origin of cancer disease, but also to exert a direct influence on tumor growth by stimulating it. Many tumors seem to respond to immunological therapy only when foci have been removed. The subsequent improvement in the body’s defenses clearly shows itself in the response to immunizing vaccines.
He later makes a very sobering statement:
My own unhappy experience shows that with cancer patients, foci treatment has generally been left to a very late stage. In the vast majority of the patients I have treated, it was quite clear that foci treatment should have been carried out years before and certainly long before the manifestation of the tumors.
So what to do if a tooth is so infected that root canal therapy may be called for? There are some biological dentists who believe it can still be an option so long as the canal is thoroughly disinfected with ozone before sealing, but as we’ve noted, that may not be a good long-term solution.
Extraction may sound extreme, but in light of the havoc oral pathogens can cause, it really is often the lesser of two evils. Once the tooth is out, it may be replaced with a bridge, partial or possibly a zirconium implant.
Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. The important thing is to understand the risks and benefits of any dental procedure and determine the option that best matches your needs, goals and values.
It’s easy for the uninitiated to misunderstand the science behind holistic dentistry and its whole-body health approach. If you want to know more, one of our favorite introductions is the very readable Whole Body Dentistry by Mark A. Breiner, DDS, which covers the whole shebang. For more specific and in-depth information about root canals, check out:
If you think we can help you with your root canal issue speak with our New Patient Team if you need treatment, a consultation about alternatives, or information regarding root canal removal.
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Root Canal Dangers FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the root canal dangers.
What are potential root canal dangers?
Root canal dangers include the risk of not completely removing all bacteria, which can lead to persistent infection and potentially systemic issues. Incomplete sealing of the tooth can also allow bacteria to leak and cause further complications.
Can root canals lead to systemic infections?
Yes, root canal dangers can lead to systemic infections if bacteria from an inadequately cleaned or sealed root canal enter the bloodstream, potentially causing chronic inflammation and other health issues.
Are there any long-term root canal dangers?
Long-term root canal dangers may include recurrent infections and the potential for chronic health conditions due to bacteria trapped within the sealed tooth.
How do root canals compare to tooth extraction?
While both procedures have risks, root canal dangers primarily involve the possibility of incomplete disinfection and sealing, whereas tooth extraction eliminates the infected tooth but can lead to bone loss and the need for prosthetic replacements.
Can root canals affect overall health?
Root canal dangers can affect overall health if lingering bacteria lead to systemic infections or chronic inflammation, potentially impacting other parts of the body.
What are the signs of complications from a root canal?
Signs of complications from root canal dangers include persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity, and infection around the treated tooth. These symptoms may indicate an incomplete procedure or reinfection.
Are root canal side effects higher in certain individuals?
Yes, individuals with compromised immune systems or existing health conditions may be more susceptible to root canal dangers, such as infections spreading beyond the tooth.
How can root canal side effects be minimized?
To minimize root canal dangers, it is crucial to have the procedure performed by an experienced endodontist, ensure thorough cleaning and sealing of the tooth, and follow post-procedure care instructions meticulously.
What alternatives exist to avoid a root canal?
Alternatives to avoid root canal dangers include tooth extraction followed by dental implants or bridges. Holistic approaches, like using zirconia implants, are also considered by some practitioners to minimize risks associated with metal-based procedures.
Do modern techniques reduce root canal side effects?
Modern techniques and advances in dental technology significantly reduce root canal dangers. Enhanced imaging, precise instruments, and better materials for sealing and filling can improve the success rate and safety of root canal procedures.
About Dr. Yuriy May
Widely sought after for his precision and leadership in biological oral surgery and zirconia implantology, Dr. Yuriy May is recognized as an accomplished leader in metal-free, biologically driven dentistry. With over 14 years of clinical experience, his work is defined by uncompromising standards, refined surgical execution, and outcomes that support both oral and systemic health.
Dr. May holds advanced certifications and training in zirconia implantology from programs ranging from IAOCI and Tufts University, is Board Certified as a Naturopathic Dentist by the ANMCB, and is a distinguished Ceramic Implant Ambassador for SDS, an honor reserved for clinicians shaping the future of ceramic implant science.
A respected educator and international lecturer, Dr. May has presented extraordinary ceramic implant cases to dentists worldwide, including the JCCI in Switzerland, and has served as an instructor in the Ceramic Implant Program at ACIMD. He lectures nationally, publishes complex metal-free surgical cases, and serves as a Board Member of the IAOCI (International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology). Dr. May has recently become a Fellow of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), one of the few focusing solely on zirconia dental implants, and has been and an Accredited S.M.A.R.T. Certified member of the IAOMT for many years. He is also a Certified Biological Dentist with the IABDM, reflecting his commitment to removing root canal infections and to mercury-safe, evidence-based biological protocols.
Dr. May’s reputation, results, and excellence in ceramic implant dentistry have made him a destination provider for patients and referring clinicians seeking the highest level of ceramic implant surgery and biological dental care.
DMD, FAAID, IBDM, AIAOMT, CIABDM
Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
ANMCB Board Certified Naturopathic Dentist
Alternatives to Root Canals: Holistic Dentistry
- Extraction by a biological dentist who practices oral surgery and replacement with a ceramic metal-free implant; only this type of holistic dentist can properly extract the root canal, debride the surrounding tissue, applies ozone water and ozone gas to disinfect, bone graft with natural PRF , BEST OPTION CLINICALLY AND SYSTEMICALLY Extraction by a top holistic dentist with a zirconia dental implant placed as a metal-free implant biocompatible restoration with a biocompatible crown Zirconia implants are also known as ceramic implants, they are the optimal material available in USA and Europe for implant options, longevity is long-term (10+ years) Dr. May placed zirconia implants during the same surgery as the root canal extraction 90% of the time and 10% of the time due to large infections or bone loss the ceramic implant is placed 3-4 months after the extraction and PRF bone graft is completed and healed
- Extraction by a holistic dentist followed by less clinically ideal but non-surgical restorative options , SECOND BEST OPTION FOR FUNCTION: Maryland Bridge, permanent, metal-free and biocompatible, consequence of bone loss and/or sinus dropping for maxillary teeth, longevity is short to medium term (3-5 years) Traditional Bridge, permanent, metal-free, and biocompatible, consequence of bone loss and/or sinus dropping for maxillary teeth, longevity is medium to long term (7-12 years) Removable prosthetic, removable, metal-free, and biocompatible, consequence of bone loss and/or sinus dropping for maxillary teeth, longevity is short to medium term (3-5 years)
- Extraction by a holistic dentist with no restoration of any sort , LEAST DESIRABLE OPTION DUE TO SIDE EFFECTS Chewing parafunction (compromised function) Side effects of bone loss A consequence of tooth shifting and bite changing and TMJ issues down the road Side effects of sinus dropping for maxillary teeth Facial changes and facial droop (depending on the location of extracted root canal treated tooth)
Everything You Need to Know About Root Canal Dangers, Root Canal Side Effects In this Video Explained
This is just one of the things an endodontist probably won’t tell you.
Hal Huggin’s Video
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xzZQFdW58Ew
Root Canal Cover-Up by George Meinig
Uninformed Consent : The Hidden Dangers in Dental Care by Hal Huggins
The Toxic Tooth: How a root canal could be making you sick by DDS Robert Kulacz and MD JD Levy
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Content addressing the topics below is provided for general educational discussion only. It is not medical or dental advice, does not diagnose any condition, and does not recommend any treatment for any individual. You must not rely on this content to make healthcare decisions. Diagnosis and treatment decisions require an in-person evaluation, appropriate records, and a clinician’s professional judgment based on your specific facts.
No guarantees; outcomes vary. Any discussion of potential benefits, risks, timelines, or outcomes is general and not a promise, guarantee, or prediction for any individual.
No definitive causation claims. Where mechanisms, systemic effects, or cause-and-effect relationships are discussed, they may reflect hypotheses, evolving evidence, clinical experience, or differing views within the broader community; they are not statements of universal fact for every patient.
Balanced, individualized decision-making required. The Site may discuss concerns, critiques, alternatives, or potential risks related to root canal treatment. Such content is educational and does not mean root canal therapy is inherently harmful for all individuals or that it is contraindicated for you.
No definitive toxicity claims as universal fact. Any discussion of bacteria, byproducts, immune response, inflammation, or systemic considerations is not a universal statement of fact for every patient and must not be relied upon as a diagnosis or individualized risk assessment.
Alternatives have risks too. Extractions, implants, bridges, and other alternatives involve their own risks, limitations, costs, and suitability considerations. Only an in-person evaluation can determine appropriate options.