Hi sittingduck, sorry to hear of this!

Alot of controversy on root canals, whether or not they should be done and if so....how? There is apparently a newer more biologic way of doing them as opposed to the other way. Here is the newer more biocompatible root canals that a few biologic dentists appear to be taking onboard (one in my country who never used to do root canals, now does them because of this newer method) http://www.integrativedentalmedicine.com/ocalexic.html

I know the other (typical) way can be a great source of toxicity and is far from the ideal Sosick on here had one or two I think? And she was very ill with it and had it removed and improved again. She still has amalgams, yet it seemed the root canal was even WORSE. Here is the "usual" way of doing them http://www.integrativedentalmedicine.com/RCTtox.html

There is also biologic implants, as opposed to what they used to use (titanium)
http://www.integrativedentalmedicine.com/titaniumcorrosion.html
Now they can use zirconium, which apparently is biocompatible:
http://www.integrativedentalmedicine.com/metalfreeimplantology.html
So that is an option.

You can of course go to a biologic dentist who is aware of root canal toxicity and amalgams and cavitations and get the dentist to remove the root canal/tooth thoroughly and simpy request a non vaso - non epinephrine local anasethetic (they restrict blood flow too much and can contribute to dead teeth and cavitation development apparently) and to make sure that not only the tooth is removed, but that the ligament etc is also removed, to ensure that healthy bone growth is then encouraged.

Probably best to have it stitched up afterwards and then follow strict hygeine rules after that to avoid infection. Eating a good diet will also aid bone growth to the area, plus minerals, cod liver oil, vitamin C, garlic etc.

These are options. Again, whatever way you decide to go, locate a reputable biologic dentist and discuss these concerns and go from there. I know it's very hard, because there are so many potential problems from dental work! So many things to avoid and even fixing things can pose problems as well. No wonder we feel like tearing our hair out! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/reallymad.gif" alt="" />