Holistic Root Canal Alternatives in Woodland Hills

Looking at Both Sides of the Root Canal Dilemma

Root canals have long had a reputation for being necessary but potentially painful procedures that cause discomfort both before and after treatment. Recently, there has been a growing movement among dentists to rethink the safety of root canals and to avoid performing these procedures, as some believe that they could dramatically increase the risk of systemic health problems.

Although some in the dental community are unhappy about this challenge to a procedure that many have been performing regularly for decades, other dentists are taking a progressive approach to closely examine the safety and to make decisions based on a holistic approach to their patients’ health. Further public interest in the safety of root canals has increased thanks to a newly released documentary, Root Cause. In this documentary, a patient who suffers from a variety of health issues explores whether his root canal could be to blame, with help from researchers in the dental community who object to the failure of many dentists to consider systemic health. Here is a closer look at why some are starting to rethink  while others still believe it is a safe procedure that provides patients with relief and health benefits.

Understanding Root Canals

During a root canal, decay is removed from the inside of the tooth, and then the tooth is sealed. The treated tooth is usually capped with a crown. This is done to prevent infection and inflammation from the tooth from spreading to other parts of the mouth.  Treatment is performed on teeth that contain a massive amount of decay or have been severely injured. When a root canal is performed, the tooth is dead or dying.

Are there natural alternatives?

Dentists who perform these procedures say that they help to preserve natural teeth and prevent the need for a dental implant, bridge, or other prosthetic device. However, dentists who approach oral health holistically point out an interesting fact about root canals: there are no other treatments that exist that leave dead tissue in the body. The presence of dead teeth that have been treated with root canals is at the core of the toxicity issue that is causing some people to rethink about it.

Root Cause Documentary

The 2019 documentary Root Cause explores this issue in depth. The filmmaker suffers from a long list of health complications, including anxiety, insomnia, and chronic fatigue, and he sets out to understand why. Along the way, he uncovered the research of Dr. Weston Price and other doctors and dentists who point the finger at root canals for many systemic health conditions.

The documentary looks at potential links between root canals and medical conditions, and providers featured in the documentary share several statistics that reinforce the potentially toxic nature of these procedures, including the staggering number of cancer patients who have had root canals and the likelihood of women with breast cancer to have root canals on the same side as their cancers. The documentary also links it to cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, stress, and autoimmune disease.

Looking at the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

There are two sides to every story. While many people in the dental world have started to rethink the science behind its therapy, others still find it to be a useful and necessary tool for many dental patients. Therapy helps to save the natural tooth, which is always an appealing and beneficial option when available. Following treatment, patients who practice good oral hygiene have a high likelihood of keeping the tooth that was treated with therapy for life. This means they won’t to worry about replacement options and will be able to enjoy the comfort of eating and speaking with their natural teeth. Keeping the natural tooth can also help patients feel more comfortable about the appearance of their smile, which is always a plus!

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but many patients report that this is not true. Modern dental techniques have made this type of treatment virtually pain-free for many patients. Additionally, patients who have had a root canal are more likely to report that the treatment was pain-free than patients who have had a tooth extraction, which is often the alternative to undergoing root canal treatment.

It is best for patients to understand all of their options so they can figure out which option they prefer regarding their dental and overall health. When you visit Dr. Pearl Zadeh for dental treatment in Woodland Hills, you can feel free to ask any questions you have about root canal therapy. Dr. Zadeh specializes in holistic dentistry in Woodland Hills and believes that patients should have the information to decide what is right for them. You can learn about alternative treatment options or even ask Dr. Zadeh if it would be a good idea to be referred for root canal therapy.

Pearl Zadeh DDS is committed to helping patients achieve their best possible oral health by taking a holistic approach to dental care and making sure patients have the information they need to make the right decisions for them. From mercury filling removal procedures to the use of bio-compatible materials, this Woodland Hills dentist is skilled in treatments that can provide you with the care and relief you need without compromising your systemic health. Find out more about holistic dentistry in Woodland Hills and make an appointment by calling (818) 716-6722.

When looking for a Woodland Hills dentist, you want an entire team of professionals who are dedicated to providing you and your family with the highest quality of general and cosmetic dentistry, while promoting and preserving your best oral hygiene.

Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs. This website is a resource we hope you’ll find both useful and interesting.  We invite you to learn more about  implants, holistic dentistry and the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry.

Additionally, if dental anxiety is keeping you from achieving your best oral health, we offer several options for sedation dentistry in Woodland Hills.  Leave your fears at home and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams.