Can you recommend an alternative to a root canal?

[Anonymous]

I need my first root canal. Two different dentists have given me their opinion. The tooth became a cavity, a piece of the tooth broke off and since it's a premolar, I don't want to have a missing tooth. I don't want a root canal. I've researched for the past two days and root canals can lead to dangerous infections, heart disease and cancer. The root is basically bleached clean, but the infection still exists underneath. It is a dead tooth; the problem isn't really solved but rather covered up. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/18/dangers-of-root-canaled-teeth.aspx
I have dental insurance that will cover a bridge at 50%. A dental implant is likely about $4,000 and I'll have to pay almost all of that. A removable tooth is an option and is very inexpensive but probably not a long term solution. Cost is a factor, but I want to consider all options. A bridge requires shaving the two teeth next to the infected tooth and it will need to be replaced in ten years or so. A bridge might need to be replaced sooner if a cavity forms on the teeth supporting the bridge. What should I do?

[Anonymous]

Did two different dentists say you need a root canal, and you think by doing research you have figured out that you don't need one?

[Anonymous]

How in the world could a root canal lead to cancer?

[Anonymous]

Again, implant is the permanent solution

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did two different dentists say you need a root canal, and you think by doing research you have figured out that you don't need one?

So, two different dentists who went to dentistry school and practice dentistry recommend a root canal and you are seeking an alternative by asking an anonymous message board of non-dentists for options despite the fact that you say that the underlying infection is still there?

Hoookkkaaaay. You really think that the dangers of the root canal which will remove the tooth so that they can surgically remove the infected tissue and treat the area with a topical antibiotic which is better than a general antibiotic are worse than leaving the infected tissue in your mouth? That infected tissue can cause major problems if left untreated...significantly more than the dangers of a root canal. But go ahead and do your due diligence from untrained resources. Hope you find an answer that you can live with and that won't cause major damage for you in later years.

[Anonymous]

Well if you can afford an implant then go for it. The bridge would be the least desirable option.
I have had 4 root canals and have not had any adverse effects.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Two different dentists said I needed a root canal, extraction, bridge or implant. The tooth is damaged. They would like me to do a root canal. There have been years of research on the topic of the dangers of root canals. I don't think a root canal is in my best interest for my long term health.They clean out the root, but the bacteria and toxins are still present and multiplying. I refuse to do a root canal. I'll do either an implant or a bridge. Why the snarky comments?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Two different dentists said I needed a root canal, extraction, bridge or implant. The tooth is damaged. They would like me to do a root canal. There have been years of research on the topic of the dangers of root canals. I don't think a root canal is in my best interest for my long term health.They clean out the root, but the bacteria and toxins are still present and multiplying. I refuse to do a root canal. I'll do either an implant or a bridge. Why the snarky comments?

Because your statement has no logic to it.

[Anonymous]

Implant costs most and is best.

[Anonymous]

LOL, I bet OP is a vaccine denier

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did two different dentists say you need a root canal, and you think by doing research you have figured out that you don't need one?

So, two different dentists who went to dentistry school and practice dentistry recommend a root canal and you are seeking an alternative by asking an anonymous message board of non-dentists for options despite the fact that you say that the underlying infection is still there?

Hoookkkaaaay. You really think that the dangers of the root canal which will remove the tooth so that they can surgically remove the infected tissue and treat the area with a topical antibiotic which is better than a general antibiotic are worse than leaving the infected tissue in your mouth? That infected tissue can cause major problems if left untreated...significantly more than the dangers of a root canal. But go ahead and do your due diligence from untrained resources. Hope you find an answer that you can live with and that won't cause major damage for you in later years.

I would have gotten more opinions than that. Dental fraud is rampant. Market is over-saturated and people are desperate.

[Anonymous]

Pulling the tooth.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My kids have been vaccinated. I'm all for doing research and not doing useless medical procedures.

[Anonymous]

You are not citing credible research. Regardless, you can do an implant. It's a much more involved procedure and has a lower success rate, but that's an option. You could also just have an extraction.

[Anonymous]

OP, keep asking! I'm with you about root canals, the research isn't there, although its a common practice. Sorry I don't have any answers and hope if you find one you post it.