While it’s one thing to talk about the science that shows how root canal teeth can become harbors of infection that can damage overall health, it’s quite another to understand the journey from health to illness and back again.
One man’s story is the subject of a new documentary: Root Cause.
The film opens with the story of Australian filmmaker Frazer Bailey. As a young man newly graduated from high school, he was involved in a fight. A punch in the mouth damaged several of his teeth. One of the front teeth could only be “saved” by root canal treatment.
All was well for a while – until Bailey began to experience panic attacks and developed chronic fatigue syndrome. His health steadily deteriorated from there.
His search for answers led him on an extensive health journey. He tried virtually everything, from conventional medicine to different diets, nutritional supplements to a staggering array of alternative medical treatments. He even attempted spiritual cures.
Eventually, he learned that his root canal tooth was the trigger for his ills. The film then portrays his return to health and vitality through finally addressing the “root cause.”
Bailey’s story is interspersed with interviews with leading experts on the link between dental infections and degenerative disease. More than one describes root canal teeth as having been “taxidermized”: The tooth is dead but preserved.
This is not done with any other organ in the body, they stress. When any other organ is so infected, it’s removed.
Naturally, they also discuss why the structure of dental roots make them so prone to harboring harmful bacteria even after the standard “disinfection” that’s done in root canal treatment. And since the procedure completely seals off the inner chamber of the tooth, your immune system can’t address the lingering infection. Because the tooth’s nerves have been removed, you have no way of knowing that it’s infected.
Unfortunately, our teeth are also energetically connected to our bodies via the meridian system. Meanwhile, toxins within the tooth can enter the general circulation through the ends of the roots still situated in the jaw.
Root canal teeth, note the experts in the film, have been associated with cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, and other chronic health conditions. They share stories of their own patients, such as a college student who developed kidney and bladder infections after root canal treatment and a woman whose severe, chronic back pain went away after her doctor numbed the nerve leading from a root canal tooth.
With a rich combination of narrative and wealth of expert testimony, Root Cause holds the viewers interest while relating an astounding amount of information in just a little bit over an hour.
“New knowledge,” says the narrative voiceover, “is never immediately adopted. Rather, old knowledge dies out, and the new takes its place.” Root Cause puts that new knowledge across powerfully in hopes of one day making “the root canal procedure something of the past.”
Root Cause is currently available for rental or download from the iTunes store, Vimeo, and Amazon Prime Video.
Dental image by Wonderlane
Really good film. Makes a lot of sense. I’m going to have mine tested.
After seeing this film I booked an appointment with my dentist. I’ve been suffering from many of the aliments mentioned in the film. My dentist did a scan and discovered part of a root with a cyst where my wisdom tooth had been removed, 12 years ago (wisdom teeth removal was also discussed in the film). The only way to get rid of the leftover root is through surgery. Had I not watched this film I would still be searching for answers.
L Burke, thanks for sharing your story. So do you have any relief from your ailments that you mentioned? What is your plan or path to fixing the issue of the cyst? I’m asking because I’m trying to help my mother, who has has a lot of dental work over the years and has also been suffering with often debilitating ear pain (of unknown origin). I’m thinking there’s a connection here. Thanks
Really eye nopener documentary. 5 stars!!!!! I’ve made an appointment with Holistic dentist with cone xRay. I plan on tracking my progress
Hi Laura.
I also have had a debilitating headache, constant ringing in the ear, chronic fatigue and brain fog since Aug 14, 2005. I have spent over 40k (With Insurance!!!) trying to find a solution. This documentary offered me hope when I had already given up finding out what caused all this. i read some reviews on Amazon about the documentary and read about a biodental office in Tijuana, MX that I plan to visit in the next couple of weeks. The center is called American Bio Dental Center (on Instagram they are @ambiodentalnholisticcare). i really wanted to just have my personal dentist to consider removing the last root canal tooth I had prior to my issues starting but he said there is no proof of this and asked if it was because of the netflix documentary and I lied and said no. Thankfully my brother agreed to drive me when I do make my appt.
how can you get your root canal tested.I live in Canada
Can my root canal be tested?
Hi Tanya
I live in Calgary. Just Google your closest city and “cone beam dentist” and dentists who use cone beam CT will pop up.
The best way to evaluate most root canal procedures is with the use of 3D radiography, also known as CBCT or conebeam. This can show signs of Inflammation, infection or surrounding bone loss, often a sign of bacterial presence.
I had two root canals on the right side and I got breast cancer on the right side. I’ve struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, so many things. I’m going to get my root canal teeth out because it certainly makes sense
I am co-author of the book The Toxic Tooth. Although there are truths presented in this movie, there are also way too many inaccurate claims, pseudoscience, and exaggerations. I had hoped that the movie Root Cause would offer an objective and science based presentation. It did not. However, the dental professional organizations are guilty of misleading claims as well. In my opinion the dental professional organizations, quackwatch, as well as the anti root canal groups present biased and dishonest opinions on this important subject. I don’t have all the answers, but I have written a comprehensive article on the root canal controversy (see link below) that is supported by peer reviewed scientific references. coletrex.com/articles/getting-root-root-canal-controversy-facts-vs-ideology.
Do you know which procedure did Frazer Bailey choose after the removal of this root canal? thanks.
We don’t know. You could try to contact the folks behind the film: https://rootcausemovie.com/contact/
I have been dealing with this issue fir years and it finally came to a head last year. After 6 root canals in 3 mo and feeling worse and soo much pain!! Everywhere!! I decided to stop that train and get dentures. It’s been 5 mo and I’m feeling much better. Not completely. But going in the rite direction. All the Dr.’s in the show I looked up and actually contacted. Wish this had come out last year. But thankful it’s out and can help those still suffering. Hallelujah!
I had a root canal on a bad tooth which I told the Dentist to pull, he said he could save the tooth with a root canal. He missed the root and went through the side of the root. He put a temporary crown on and never contacted me again. For 5 years I had infections, that would start on the bottom gum, and a couple days later move to the top gums, every time I got a cold or weakness to my immune system. When I had the ninth or tenth infection, I finally did what I originally told the Dentist to do in the beginning, just pull the tooth, I immediately felt relief, happy and no infections since that day.
Unfortunately, I am living this horror story! Thank God l saw Root Cause tonight. I had a root canal on my right rear molar. A few years later I knew something was wrong and brought it up during my checkup. The Dentist was dismissive and said I looked at your X-rays and they look fine. After a few months, I went to his office and demanded that he pull the molar, which he did in just a few minutes and I felt a whole body release of this ill feeling I had been carrying for so long, even a pressure came off my chest immediately. To my dentist surprise, he feebly mumbles that he was sorry that it was indeed Infected to the inside and it did not show up on his 2 dimensional Xray exactly as they pointed out in the film. I have been to other dentists and they said the same thing that everything was ok. The part about needing a 3D cone MRI type to see 360 degrees is spot on. I also inquired with my dentist about removing my metal fillings and his reply was they are fine and you will get more metal exposure removing them. Every once in a while I will touch one of these teeth with the tip of a fork and feel an electrical tingle. Now I know what it is doing to the Meridian. I want the highest rated and highest priced dental “Choice” who touted their best practices and they took a super quick scan and told me I needed a Titanium Implant. I then brought another area to their attention and they said we can do that too without even examining the jaw. They said you were approved for the procedure, when do you want to schedule $$? All they care about is Quick $$ as demonstrated by the substandard 3D examination. They couldn’t care less about me the patient. They just want the $9,000 for a tooth that already had a root cane and the tooth has broken off. I have started Googling all the dentist, doctors who may be able to do a complete and thorough assessment and corrective procedure. I am twice the subject’s age in the film and have suffered more traumas and I have suffered from this for about 30 years. I have traveled the same journey 30 years longer. How many funerals have I gone too because they suffered the same substandard care? Dentists want to sell the pretty white smile society wants and not real health care. Twice they thought I was having a heart attack and couldn’t find a blockage or any reason for surgery thank God. Had I had lesser competent Medical attention from the Caring ER Doctors who treated me or had it been my renowned follow-up Cardiologist I would have gotten a New Mercedes bypass. During the follow up in his office we talked more about a new BMW that he just ordered. I would probably be walking around a heart attack victim. Again awesome the Root Cause was one tonight.
I’m going to get mine pulled, ever since I have had my root canal my back has been suffering like never before, I’m only 34.
I am in Auckland New Zealand and want to get my root canal checked and possibly removed. How do I know what to look for in a dental practice to know they will do the right thing?
Hi, Emma! We suggest you consult with a biological dentist, who can evaluate the tooth and it’s impact, and offer a sensible treatment plan if needed. The IAOMT currently has two member dentists in New Zealand, both in Auckland (https://iaomt.org/for-patients/search/region/new-zealand/).
Do you know of any Biologic dentists in Canada (Winnipeg)?
Both the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (iaomt.org) and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (iabdm.org) have searchable international directories of their member dentists.
We have one randy Dawson
Have you ever found a bio dentist?
I’m in Canada. I’ve had my share of root canals. My dentist knows I probably need another but does not want to do anymore. I want to be tested on the others. Who do I find….more importantly how.
Both the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (iaomt.org) and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (iabdm.org) have searchable directories of their member dentists. Once you find a biological dentist near you, you can schedule an exam and consult with him/her about the status of those teeth. Wishing you the best!
I have 5 root canals and cracked one that now has a cap. My mouth is killing me.
Im in the midst of new dental coverage. Does insurance cover any of the removal if infected and the following procedures needed to replace with a partial.
What insurance do you take and which you do find covers a larger percentage of this? Please help.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this. The gals at our front desk will be able to answer your questions about insurance. Their number is (314) 997-2550. Be sure to let them know about the pain, as well.
Ever since i had them done. Pain. Im 38 and very worried about my heart. I don’t sleep right. Im hazy all the time. Lethargic. I kept wondering what happened. I had my teeth done and lost myself. Thank you for your time. I hooke to see you soon.
We’re so sorry to hear about this, Danica. Please give our front desk a call, let them know what’s going on, and they’ll let you know how to proceed. Their number is (314) 997-2550.
in my country I can not find an accreditated biologicall dentist?
Where can I find help ,please?
I live in Romania (south Europe)
Hi, Adrian! You may need to travel a bit. Checking the IAOMT’s global directory, it looks like the closest biological dentists to you are in Hungary and Slovenia (and to the north, in Poland): https://iaomt.org/for-patients/search/region/outside-us-canada/.
I just had my 4th root canal 2 years ago and I have a lump on the roof of my mouth constantly! It’s right where the top of the tooth would be. When he did the root canal he said “wow look at all that drainage to his assistant.” He left to let it continue to drain…cane back in 6+ minutes later and it was still draining! He was in a hurry and didn’t have time to let it finish so he just closed it up and I’ve felt awful since! I have terminal breast cancer now. I had 2 root canals on the right side and that’s where my breast cancer started in 2014. Those root canals were done several years before my cancer diagnosis and it isn’t genetic. I have anxiety, CFS, all before cancer but after root canals. I can’t work now due to cancer and can’t afford to have anything done. No insurance to cover dental so I don’t know what to do.
Hi there, I’m trying to find out the name of the Australian specialist in this film. I have had root canal on my front tooth (knocked out when I was 10). I would love to get in touch with an expert ASAP.
We recommend you reach out to the folks behind the making of this film: https://rootcausemovie.com/contact/.
His name is Dr Emerson, he’s a Holistic Dentist.
I’ve had two root canals that I can think of, when I was in my early twenties I’m now 74. The ones I suspect are the culprits: (1)front left eye tooth, I’ve suffered extensive bone loss from left to right extending beyond my two front teeth. Ultimately had to replace with a bonded bridge, after three tries with caps! Currently dentist says the area is decayed on left of eye tooth, requiring extraction! 2) Recently (six weeks ago) bottom right molar was infected and was extracted. Again significant bone loss, has been bone grafted & now feel as if the surrounding molars have decayed & receding gums. Do I need a biological dentist to examine & determine best practices treatment. I have Medicare Plan F & UHS Supplemental coverage. Can I get any or all of this covered by this insurance? Please help!
Hi, Donna. We’re glad you reached out, and we’re sorry you’re going through all this. We do recommend consulting with a biological dentist to assess your dental situation. After an exam, imaging, and diagnostics, they can advise you as to the best course of treatment, which may be done in conjunction with an integrative physician or naturopathic doctor. If you’re in the St. Louis area, or can travel here, give our front desk a call to discuss options further. (They can also answer your questions about insurance.) The number is (314) 997-2550. If you live elsewhere and can’t travel far, you can find a biological dentist near you through organizations such as the IAOMT (iaomt.org) and IABDM (iabdm.org). Both have searchable directories of their member dentists.
My daughter is 15 and has an upcoming root canal procedure….if I decide…well I’ve decided against it now and have her tooth removed…can she later get an implant to prevent her teeth from spacing in the future? If so how long should we wait for the implant?
Implants are one option for replacing a tooth. You may want to check out our previous post giving an overview of all the options: https://toothbody.com/hey-tooth-you-can-be-replaced/. If you decide on an implant, the surgeon will be the best one to judge how soon the implant surgery could be done.
My dentist has been pushing me to do one because I’m too young to remove my tooth. Well I don’t want to after seeing this. They just want the money
My husband had a root canal six months ago and now was told by another endodontist he needs a root canal on the same tooth. My question is. Is it possible possible? I thought a root canal kills the nerve. How can it be infected again?
During a root canal, all the living tissue inside the tooth – including the nerve – is removed. However, bacteria can remain sealed within the tooth afterwards. The residual infection can have local and systemic effects alike. You may want to get a second opinion from a biological dentist. Both the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (iaomt.org) and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (iabdm.org) have searchable directories of their member dentists, so you can find one near you.
I have 2 questions: I previously had a root canal tooth, but later had the tooth removed. The documentary implied that even if a RC tooth was removed the problem can still exist. How do I find out if there is still infection in the area and how to get rid of it if so.
I have had gum disease that still persists, how serious is gum disease?
Cavitations may be detected via a 3D cone beam image/CBCT scan. If a cavitation is present, the site can be reopened to be properly, thoroughly cleaned and disinfected (typically with ozone). Supportive therapies from allied physicians can help the rest of the body heal from that original insult and related conditions. You can learn more about cavitations here: https://toothbody.com/cavitations/.
Gum disease is indeed serious. If it progresses, it can ultimately lead to tooth loss. More, science continues to show relationships between gum disease and a host of other inflammatory conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. So it’s important to have it treated – as well as to avoid or at least minimize risk factors that can contribute to or worsen the condition. We have a ton of material on this in our blog archive, which you can explore here: https://toothbody.com/?s=gum+disease.
Thank you for your post…this is sooo important … I saw the movie and since I have had many root canals done mostly when I was a child (still dont understand why they needed to be done) I just went to a dentist in Costa Rica to get examined.Their conclusion was quite horrifying and extremely extensive and expensive to fix… I want to get a second opinion just to make sure I make the best decision… could you recommend a dentest in Costa Rica that I can really trust … thank you so much!!
Thanks for your good words. We aren’t able to give you a specific referral via our blog. However, both the IAOMT (http://iaomt.org) and IABDM (http://iabdm.org) have international directories you can search to find a biological dentist for your needs.
Who are the top oral surgeons skilled at removing dental implants and treating jawbone infection post op?
We aren’t able to give you a specific referral via our blog. However, all three of the main US-based professional organizations for holistic and biological dentistry have directories you can search to find a dentist near you:
http://iaomt.org
http://iabdm.org
http://holisticdental.org
Thank you so much for all the information, very helpful.
I’ve been suffering for a while with my jaw and ear on my left side. I had an abcess molar and they gave me antibiotics and did a root canal. That root canal never felt right. I had it pulled 5 years ago but my left side still bothers me. I wonder if they took the periodontal ligament? I wish someone in Winnipeg can help me?
All three of the main professional organizations for holistic and biological dentistry have directories you can search to find a dentist near you:
http://iaomt.org
http://iabdm.org
http://holisticdental.org
I have developed speech(slurred) and breathing problems – the right side of my face seems to be slightly swollen for the past year. Could these be related to root canals that I had done years ago? I have seen the full rotation of specialists and have had MRI’s etc done and there is NO MEDICAL REASON that this should be occurring.
We aren’t able to speculate on personal health situations here, but a thorough evaluation by a biological dentist may be of help to you. All three of the main US-based professional organizations for holistic and biological dentistry have directories you can search to find a dentist near you:
http://iaomt.org
http://iabdm.org
http://holisticdental.org
I am a victim of the root canal mess. I saw the documentary and the next day I found a dentist that had the conebeam. I demanded to have it done. I cried when he told me I had 2 infected root canals out of 6. I immediately had them pulled. It has now been 4 months and several of my medical issues Vertigo and so called allergies has cleared up. The one infection I have been carrying for over 20 years. It ate through my jaw bone and I had to have a bone graft and I was on antibiotics for 3 weeks – the Vertigo has taken longer to clear up but as of today 6/17/19 I have not had a dizzy spell in 6 weeks. This root canal infection stuff is real. I tell everyone. The American Dental Association is scared for people to know the truth.
18 months ago my body went into full spasm after years and years since I was a child of being sick, 4 months of being bedridden, I then found out about the teeth I had 8 mercury fillings removed since I was 12 years old and two root canals that I had done 20 to 25 years ago. 14 months on and I am new person I have never felt so well in my life and I am now 51 years of age