Are Implants the “Safe” Alternative to Root Canals
by Blanche D. Grube,
DMD, MS, PhD, IABDM
Abstract
The ongoing debate within the dental and medical communities surrounding the safety of root canal treatments and the potential superiority of dental implants has captured the attention of both practitioners and patients. Root canal procedures have a longstanding history, dating back almost two centuries. The concept of dental pulp was initially introduced in 1728 by the French physician Pierre Fauchard. It’s worth noting that even as modern dentistry has evolved, materials such as gutta-percha, introduced in 1847, are still used in root canal procedures. In 1900, the advent of X-ray technology marked a significant advancement, aiding in the diagnosis of root canal complications. However, throughout the course of root canal procedures’ development, concerns have persisted regarding their safety. Advocates of the “Focal Infection Theory” have long contended that root canal-treated teeth might contribute to systemic health issues. One pioneering figure in this regard was Dr. Weston A. Price, whose impeccable research on root canal-treated teeth remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago. His findings suggested that all root canals possess toxic qualities. It’s worth mentioning that in the last several decades, dental implants have emerged as an alternative to root canals, largely fueled by the resurgence of the Focal Infection Theory. Despite this shift, evidence-based scientific research is revealing that dental implants, like their root canal counterparts, can bring about serious risks for patients. These risks encompass potential issues such as infection, implant failure, and complications during surgical procedures.