DiseasesRoot canal treatment — can a dead, treated tooth poison the whole body?
Sources: 10 · Article: 13 475 characters
Igor Dogocki claims that a dead tooth after root canal treatment can still be a source of infection and toxins for the whole body.
- Igor Dogocki describes how bacteria and tissue breakdown products may enter the bloodstream and burden the body.
- Igor Dogocki notes that root canal treatment relieves pain but does not always eliminate the entire source of infection; he points to tooth removal and tissue cleaning.
- The patient quoted links the improvement in many of her symptoms to the removal of a root canal-treated tooth, but describes her personal experience.
- Thomas E. Levy also presents such a tooth as a possible source of infection and toxins, while emphasizing that the link between infection and chronic diseases is disputed.
What the authors write
Igor Dogocki
A dead tooth may remain a source of bacteria and local inflammation, and root canal treatment may not remove the entire source of infection.
„Properly performed root canal treatment relieves pain caused by inflammation of the pulp and preserves the hard tissues of the tooth, but it does not eliminate the entire source of infection. The only way to completely eliminate the bacteria in a dead tooth and prevent them from colonizing it again is to remove the tooth and clean the surrounding periodontal tissues.”Poprawnie wykonane leczenie kanałowe pozwala na wyeliminowanie bólu spowodowanego zapaleniem miazgi i zachowanie twardych tkanek zęba, ale nie eliminuje całego źródła infekcji. Jedynym sposobem na kompletne wyeliminowanie bakterii znajdujących się w zębie martwym i uniemożliwienie im ponownego zasiedlenia tego zęba jest usunięcie go i oczyszczenie otaczających go tkanek przyzębia.
Igor Dogocki
Igor Dogocki describes the possible formation of organic forms of mercury that may travel from the tooth into the bone and then throughout the body via the bloodstream.
„Pathogenic organisms found in dead teeth, as well as in teeth that have or once had amalgam fillings, can transform mercury residues into various organic forms that are said to have a particularly toxic effect on us. These substances pass through the tooth tissues into the jawbone and then spread throughout the body through the circulatory system.”Znajdujące się w martwych zębach, a także w zębach, w których dawniej lub nawet obecnie tkwią plomby z amalgamatu, patogenne organizmy mogą przekształcić resztki rtęci w jej różne organiczne formy, które mają na nas szczególnie toksyczny wpływ. Wspomniane substancje przedostają się przez tkanki zęba do kości szczęki/żuchwy, a z niej poprzez układ krwionośny rozprzestrzeniają się po całym organizmie.
Igor Dogocki
According to the description, tissue remnants in the canals break down into compounds that may travel in the blood to various organs.
„Each of them is a highly toxic substance that can travel with the blood to any organ in our body. Bacteria begin to colonize the dentinal tubules and gum pockets of such dead teeth, so after another year or two, inflammation develops in the gum and dentin tissues.”Każda z nich to silnie trująca substancja, która wraz z krwią jest w stanie przedostać się do dowolnego narządu w naszym organizmie. Kanaliki zębowe oraz kieszonki dziąseł takich martwych zębów zaczynają opanowywać bakterie, przez co po upływie kolejnego roku lub dwóch w obrębie tkanki dziąseł i zębiny tworzą się stany zapalne.
Igor Dogocki
Igor Dogocki says that the only way to completely remove bacteria from a dead tooth is to remove the tooth and clean the surrounding tissues.
„The only way to completely eliminate the bacteria in a dead tooth and prevent them from colonizing it again is to remove the tooth and clean the surrounding periodontal tissues.
A controversial film made by the Netflix platform that relates to the topic of root canal treatment:”Jedynym sposobem na kompletne wyeliminowanie bakterii znajdujących się w zębie martwym i uniemożliwienie im ponownego zasiedlenia tego zęba jest usunięcie go i oczyszczenie otaczających go tkanek przyzębia.
Kontrowersyjny film stworzony przez platformę Netflix nawiązujący do tematu leczenia kanałowego:
Igor Dogocki
Igor Dogocki also presents a dead tooth as a possible source of disruptions in the body from the perspective of Chinese medicine and the meridian system.
„Additionally, from the perspective of Chinese medicine (recognized by the WHO in 2018 as an official branch of medicine) and the meridian system, dead teeth are a source of disruption in the body because they can block our energy channels (meridians), through which vital energy should flow freely to all the organs in our body.”Dodatkowo z perspektywy medycyny chińskiej ( uznana przez WHO w 2018 r. jako oficjalna gałąź medycyny) i sytemu meridian, martwe zęby stanowią źródło zakłóceń w organizmie, gdyż mają zdolność blokowania naszych kanałów energetycznych (meridian), którymi do wszystkich narządów naszego ciała powinna swobodnie przepływać energia życiowa.
Igor Dogocki
The patient quoted describes an improvement in many symptoms after a root canal-treated tooth was removed and the tooth socket was cleaned.
„But I felt the greatest improvement after having the root canal-treated tooth pulled, the socket cleaned, and an immediate implant placed. That same day, I noticed greater clarity of thought and my sinuses cleared. The problems on the left side of my body and the unrelenting neck pain I had suffered for years went away.”Jednak największy rezultat poczułam po wyrwaniu zęba leczonego kanałowo, oczyszczeniu zębodołu i wstawieniu implantu natychmiastowego. Już w tym samym dniu zauważyłam większą jasność myślenia oraz odblokowanie zatok. Dolegliwości z lewej strony ciała i nieustający ból karku trwający latami odpuściły.
Igor Dogocki
Igor Dogocki presents problems in the mouth as a possible source of systemic disorders, and inflammatory mediators as substances that may reach the organs.
„Systemic reactions are caused by the release of inflammatory mediators, mainly pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may originate, for example, from dead structures in the mouth. These mediators can reach all the organs through blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves in the area.”Reakcje ogólnoustrojowe są wywoływane przez wydzielane mediatory stanu zapalnego, przede wszystkim prozapalne cytokiny, wywodzące się np. z martwych struktur w jamie ustnej. Przekaźniki te mogą dotrzeć do wszystkich narządów poprzez naczynia krwionośne, limfatyczne, a także przez przebiegające w danym regionie nerwy.
Thomas E. Levy
Thomas E. Levy presents a root canal-treated tooth as a potentially serious source of infection and toxicity, as part of the debate over the impact of dental infections on chronic diseases.
„For literally hundreds of years now, the idea that a dental infection could seed, initiate, and promote virtually all chronic degenerative diseases has been hotly debated in the medical and dental communities, often with much more passion and hyperbole than with science.”For literally hundreds of years now, the idea that a dental infection could seed, initiate, and promote virtually all chronic degenerative diseases has been hotly debated in the medical and dental communities, often with much more passion and hyperbole than with science.
Thomas E. Levy
Thomas E. Levy describes how, while chewing, pathogens and toxins from a root canal-treated tooth may enter the circulation through venous and lymphatic drainage.
„And to make matters worse, the venous and lymphatic drainage at the base of the root canal-treated tooth remain intact, meaning that every time the individual chews on such a tooth, pathogens and toxins are injected directly into the circulation, just as a hypodermic needle might inject its contents directly into the vein.”And to make matters worse, the venous and lymphatic drainage at the base of the root canal-treated tooth remain intact, meaning that every time the individual chews on such a tooth, pathogens and toxins are injected directly into the circulation, just as a hypodermic needle might inject its contents directly into the vein.
Thomas E. Levy
Thomas E. Levy repeats the claim that chewing on a root canal-treated tooth may introduce pathogens and toxins into the circulation.
„And to make matters worse, the venous and lymphatic drainage at the base of the root canal-treated tooth remain intact, meaning that every time the individual chews on such a tooth, pathogens and toxins are injected directly into the circulation, just as a hypodermic needle might inject its contents directly into the vein.”And to make matters worse, the venous and lymphatic drainage at the base of the root canal-treated tooth remain intact, meaning that every time the individual chews on such a tooth, pathogens and toxins are injected directly into the circulation, just as a hypodermic needle might inject its contents directly into the vein.
Thomas E. Levy
Thomas E. Levy again presents a root canal-treated tooth as a particularly serious source of infection and toxicity, while noting that the impact of infection on chronic diseases is disputed.
„For literally hundreds of years now, the idea that one or more focal infections in the body could seed, initiate, and promote virtually all chronic degenerative diseases has been hotly debated in the medical and dental communities, often with much more passion and hyperbole than with science.”For literally hundreds of years now, the idea that one or more focal infections in the body could seed, initiate, and promote virtually all chronic degenerative diseases has been hotly debated in the medical and dental communities, often with much more passion and hyperbole than with science.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 231.
The study found an association between unfinished root canal treatment and a higher risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease.
Aim of the study: Root canal treatments (RCTs) aim to eradicate pulpal diseases and save the infected teeth by eliminating microorganisms from the root canal system. Starting but not finishing an RCT can perpetuate a dead space for bacterial growth, which can spread to other sites in the body and develop systemic symptoms.
Results: A total of 3626 participants underwent CVD hospitalization during an average observation period of 6.01 years, thus yielding an overall CVD hospitalization incidence rate of 0.21% per person year. Compared with the participants with no unfinished RCTs, the adjusted CVD hospitalization hazard ratio for the participants with 1 or 2 unfinished RCTs was 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.35) and for those with 3 or more unfinished RCTs, it was 3.61 (95% confidence interval, 2.36-5.51; test for trend, P < .0001). Participants with unfinished RCTs were associated with a higher risk of CVD hospitalization.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Science Council
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyobservation of people
Participants283 590
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review indicates that apical periodontitis may be associated with systemic inflammation and may adversely affect health.
Aim of the study: The 'Focal Infection Era in Dentistry' in the late 19th and early 20th century resulted in widespread implementation of tooth extraction and limited the progress of endodontics. The theory proposed that bacteria and toxins entrapped in dentinal tubules could disseminate systemically to remote body parts, resulting in many types of degenerative systemic diseases.
Results: There is emerging evidence that bacteraemia and low-grade systemic inflammation associated with apical periodontitis may negatively impact systemic health, e.g., development of cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and diabetic metabolic dyscontrol. However, there is limited information supporting the effect of diabetes mellitus or autoimmune disorders on the prevalence and prognosis post endodontic treatment. Furthermore, convincing evidence supports that successful root canal treatment has a beneficial impact on systemic health by reducing the inflammatory burden, thereby dismissing the misconceptions of focal infection theory. Although compelling evidence regarding the association between apical periodontitis and systemic health is present, further high-quality research is required to support and establish the benefits of endodontic treatment on systemic health.
Money for the studynot stated · National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In the three cases described, alopecia resolved or hair grew back after treatment of a tooth with apical periodontitis, but the cases alone do not prove a causal link.
Aim of the study: Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory response of periradicular tissues caused by microbial infection within the root canal system. Alopecia areata (AA) is a T-cell mediated, autoimmune condition affecting hair follicles causing nonscarring hair loss, clinically characterised by small patches of baldness on the scalp and/or around the body.
Results: The second case was followed up for 9 months, with a complete healing of AA following the affected tooth extraction, whereas the third case demonstrates complete hair regrowth after 4 months following the single-visit endodontic therapy. This article highlights the impact of oral infection on endogenic immune-inflammatory mediators, although causality cannot be inferred from these observations alone. There is a need for an interdisciplinary approach in cases of idiopathic AA, in the absence of other aetiological factors, to preclude unnecessary pharmacological interventions. Due to these limitations, more epidemiological studies would be beneficial to investigate any possible association between AA and apical periodontitis.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyother
Participants3
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Nevertheless, all the research on the impact of periodontitis and abscessed teeth on all chronic disease applies to all root canals as well, regardless of how well they were performed technically. Although less extensively studied than the relation of just periodontitis with chronic diseases, a great deal of research has also established a link between chronically abscessed teeth (CAP-chronic apical periodontitis) and many different diseases. CAP simply means an extension of and a more advanced form of deep gum inflammation and infection (periodontitis), with root tip abscesses seen on imaging.”Nevertheless, all the research on the impact of periodontitis and abscessed teeth on all chronic disease applies to all root canals as well, regardless of how well they were performed technically. Although less extensively studied than the relation of just periodontitis with chronic diseases, a great deal of research has also established a link between chronically abscessed teeth (CAP-chronic apical periodontitis) and many different diseases. CAP simply means an extension of and a more advanced form of deep gum inflammation and infection (periodontitis), with root tip abscesses seen on imaging.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„By taking a proactive approach to dental care and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, we can begin to shift the narrative on oral health and its critical role in preventing some of the most debilitating diseases of our time. References: 1. Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers. Robert Kulacz, DDS, Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick. Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., 9am, March 15th, 2025. National Health Federation Conference. 70 YEARS STRONG: LEADING THE HEALTH-FREEDOM RENAISSANCE, MARCH 14-16 IN DALLAS, TEXAS.”By taking a proactive approach to dental care and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, we can begin to shift the narrative on oral health and its critical role in preventing some of the most debilitating diseases of our time. References: 1. Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers. Robert Kulacz, DDS, Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick. Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., 9am, March 15th, 2025. National Health Federation Conference. 70 YEARS STRONG: LEADING THE HEALTH-FREEDOM RENAISSANCE, MARCH 14-16 IN DALLAS, TEXAS.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: Insight into pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. World J Gastroenterol WJG. 2010 Jun 28;16(24):2971. 62.”Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: Insight into pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. World J Gastroenterol WJG. 2010 Jun 28;16(24):2971. 62.
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