Hi, I dont know enough about root canals, but I do know that it is not advisable (at least healthwise) to have them if one can avoid them. In saying that, I know two biologic dentists trained in oral toxicology that are now doing root canals. The one in my country never used to go near them is just now starting to do them because he has obviously found a method that suits biologic dentistry which he feels is warranted now to perform them. This dentist is ultra careful about these things and has travelled extenisively and done a lot of study on all these things. He's one fo the best in his field.

So perhaps there is a way. Here is the area of their websites that talk about root canals and what they do.

http://www.shdc.com.au/?s=services&p=root-canal-treatment

http://www.integrativedentalmedicine.com/ocalexic.html

Maybe these links may help you aid your girlfriend in this. Is she seeing a biologic dentist or just general? At any rate, you can always email either of these dentists in the links i've given you may want to ask them further questions on this.