crazy crazy question: root canals and auto immune link?

[missyb]

Ok, some of you may know after being frustrated with "modern medicine" I sought out an alternative rheum who is a board certified MD rheum who happens to practice natural medicine and also some old school rheumatology from the 40's and 50's along with the modern stuff. I have had great success with his plan so far. SOOO. you may also remember I posted about having another tooth problem last week?  It seems a tooth that had a root canal and crown about 7 years ago is failing.
My dentist said I can either have another root canal performed and try to spare the tooth, or have it extracted and replaced with a dental implant. He prefers the trying to save it method first, and I have an appt this morning with an endo.
I mentioned this dilemma to my neighbor who had gone through all this a few years back and she told me to research the dangers of root canals, and I  was really shocked at what I found. It's hard to believe! And she isn't even into any of the woo woo natural health stuff like me!
http://www.mercola.com/article/dental/rootcanal/root_canals.htm
Here is just one link to an interview with an endodontist who was one the founders of the endodontic board back whenever it started.
They think that the bacteria from original the tooth infection gets into the teeny tiny dentin tubules and remains there even after the tooth has been sterilized, and it leaves a very low grade infection brewing which eventually has systemic affects on your whole body.
I used think the whole naturopathic thing was joke, but when I tried it and it worked for my autoimmune disease, anow I have to give this some serious thought. Has anyone ever heard of this here?

[Dolly Dimples]

  Quite a frightening read Missyb,   I certainly have never heard of such a thing ,     

  It only goes to prove that whatever procedures one is contemplating they should look very deeply into the pros & cons!
           
             To me this seems a reasonable conclusion, since bacteria will thrive anywhere if the appropiate treatment is not given...
             
                Not that this worries me now, as I have a full set of the old fashioned Dentures!!
                                   
                                          Very interesting subject tho'... Cheers Dolly

[missyb]

Back from the endodontist appt. I was very surprised at what he's found! it is not the tooth that actually hurts that is the problem! The tooth that has the root canal and crown is fine, it it the tooth above it and one over that has the infection! It is referring the pain to my lower jaw from the upper! We know for certain because he added a few drop of anesthetic above the tooth he suspected and the pain went completely away in my lower jaw! Plus he did quite a few other tests, and and you see the shadow of infection on one root tip and the pulp is calcified.  It was imperceptible on the regular xray that my general dentist had taken, so I am very glad he referred me to this specialist! I am going to go ahead with the root canal he has suggested even though I came across  this negative info regarding them. I just don't know what else to do at the moment, and something needs to be done ASAP.  I guess if I still have problems in the future I can always go the other route. I felt very confident with the Dr, he did a great job of finding the true offender and is going to do the root canal tomorrow. It was so relieved just to be numb for a couple hours but ti is wearing off now 

[skygirl]

 I dont know if that theory is totally true!

Nowadays before I accept any ideas I go research further...

[eyeamdry]

Interesting, although I do not necessarily believe it.  Funny, though, I had 3 root canals done at one time when I was 17 or 18 as the front 3 teeth all became abscessed at one time.  I've had a bunch more root canals over the years and most of my teeth are crowns and caps, or partial.  Lucy