April 29, 2025

Holistic Dentistry and What to Do About Root Canals

At our holistic dental practice in Hollywood, Florida, we often see patients who are concerned about the long-term effects of root canals. Many come to us after researching online, asking:
“Is every tooth with a root canal really a source of chronic infection?”

I’m Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov, and I’ve been practicing holistic and cosmetic dentistry for over 35 years. Let’s break this topic down carefully and honestly.

Two Types of Root Canals

1. “Fresh” Root Canals

These are root canals performed due to trauma or immediate pulp exposure—for example, after an accident, a deep filling, or before placing a crown on a still-living tooth. In these cases, infection typically hasn’t had time to develop. If done properly, these teeth are usually stable, non-toxic, and structurally important for your bite.
In such cases, we do not recommend extraction—especially if there are no symptoms or signs of infection.

2. Infected Root Canals

These are more concerning. If the tooth died slowly due to decay or if the root canal was done improperly, bacteria may have already spread deep into the roots and jawbone. These teeth can become a long-term source of chronic infection—negatively impacting both your oral and overall health.

What Do We Do in These Cases?

• Remove the tooth and the surrounding infected bone
• Clean the area thoroughly
• Place a bone graft to restore healthy tissue
• Plan future restoration options such as ceramic implants, bridges, or crowns

Every Case Is Unique

One of my patients came in with 20 root canals. She was 80 years old and symptom-free. All the treatments were done properly over the years, and the teeth were still stable. In her case, removing all those teeth would have been devastating.
We did not recommend extraction.

This highlights the most important point: Holistic dentistry is not about extreme solutions. It’s about evaluating the full picture—your history, your health, and your long-term quality of life.

Concerned About Root Canals? We Can Help

If you’ve had root canals in the past and you’re not sure what to do next, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We’ll perform a 3D scan, carefully examine your case, and give you an honest opinion. If alternative options are available, we’ll walk you through them.

Your health is our priority—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.