Understanding Root Canal Treatment: The Basics
“Within a tooth, there is a nerve that has a blood supply which keeps it alive, and has its own immune system. When it gets damaged, either through tooth decay or trauma, that nerve and blood supply can die off. You can get an infection where bacteria make their way to the tip of the root and start eating away at the bone,” explains Dr Lewis.
This infection creates what dentists call periapical periodontitis, a condition where healthy, strong bone becomes “soft and mushy” due to bacterial invasion. The result? Your immune system becomes constantly distracted fighting this localised infection instead of protecting your overall health.
The Silent Threat
One of the most concerning aspects of dental infections is their often painless nature. “We can find an infection within a tooth and a patient will often go, ‘I’m not in any pain whatsoever,'” notes Dr Lewis. “Using pain as a barometer of whether something is wrong is not great because infections can exist in a chronic state.”
This reality makes regular comprehensive dental examinations—particularly 3D imaging crucial for maintaining optimal health.
What Our Holistic Approach Offers
“Our definition of holistic dentistry is not being dogmatic. Who am I, who have I got in the chair? What’s their circumstances, medical history, goals? What solutions can I provide them that are tailored to their particular circumstances rather than going ‘I don’t have to think, I don’t have to be nuanced I’ll just take out all root canals.'” ~ Dr Lewis Ehrlich
At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, our approach to root canal treatment considers:
Individual Health Status: Your current immune function, medical history, and overall health picture guide treatment recommendations.
Technical Excellence Standards: All endodontic procedures utilise 3D imaging, microscopic magnification, and advanced techniques for optimal outcomes.
Comprehensive Assessment: We spend time understanding your complete health picture, not just the immediate dental issue.
Evidence-Based Decision Making: Treatment recommendations are based on current research and clinical evidence, not outdated dogma.
The Truth About Root Canal Success
Contrary to fear-mongering headlines, properly executed root canal treatment has high success rates when performed using modern techniques and technology. Success is measured by several criteria:
Pain Resolution: Elimination of discomfort and restoration of normal function.
Bone Regeneration: The dark shadow on X-rays (representing destroyed bone) fills in with healthy bone tissue.
Proper Sealing: Complete seal prevents bacterial recontamination of the treated tooth.
Long-term Stability: Regular monitoring ensures continued health of the treated tooth.
The Comprehensive Health Connection
The podcast discussion highlighted a compelling case study: a patient with stage 4 pancreatic cancer who had two existing root canals. 3D imaging revealed that one root canal harboured a chronic infection despite appearing technically sound, while the other showed no signs of problems.
Interestingly, the patient’s PET scan (used to monitor cancer progression) had detected unusual activity in the same area as the infected root canal, even though the treating oncologist was unaware of the dental issue.
This case demonstrates why comprehensive oral examinations are particularly crucial for patients with complex medical conditions.
