Regarding a root canal

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Hi  Everyone,

 

I have been experiencing a tooth pain that has come and gone over the past year and a half.  Nothing too bothersome.  I use to rinse my mouth with coconut oil and never seemed to have any problems.  Since being on the diet I stopped doing that and Dr Brizman gave me a goldenseal powder to rinse in my mouth for it.  Well, just this past weekend the pain got so bad I went to my dentist and she said , like she said a year and a half ago, that I need a root canal.  Has anyone had any problems getting one being on the IC healing path with Dr. Brizman?  I have a wedding to go to in a few weeks and I know I can't be dealing with this pain when we go.  My dentist only has one opening and that's tomorrow morning so I have to make a quick decision.  The reason I put off getting one is that I read that root canals are controversial in whether they are healthy or not.

Thanks for your advice.

 

Sue

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

Hi Sue!
I regret nearly all of the dental work I have had, in the absense of any holistic knowledge of how mouth health is linked to everything else. One of my two root canals turned into a failed root canal, a dental implant (the periodontist insisted on taking antibiotics during the implant process) and then the subsequent onset of my IC imbalance.
I plan to go see a holistic dentist. Is there one in your area? Did you tell Dr. B about your current pain? The tooth pain I have had in treatment so far has been intermittent. This is such a hard personal decision, but would be possibly made easier if you could consult with a holistic dentist. 
For me, the antibiotics I took for dental work was the precipitating factor leading to IC. I plan to try to avoid any such procedures in the future, and wonder how and when I will be able to undo what I have done....

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

Pico's picture
Pico

Mimi,
 
I was worried I would get a reply like yours.  I just don't know what to do about this pain. Do Holistic doctors help you deal with that without pain relievers??  It has to be some kind of infection in the tooth causing this.  I am so afraid to cancel my appointment because then I won't have one until after the wedding.  Plus it hurts so much on and off now.  I'm so afraid if I don't do something about it I won't  have a good time at the wedding.  Finding a Holistic doctor within such a short time seems impossible.  I am already late in canceling my appointment for tomorrow.  And not sure I want to cancle it.   UGGHHH!!!!  But these decisions shouldn't be made under pressure either.
 
I feel like I'm in such a pickle.  I've written Dr. Brizman twice but have not heard backfrom her yet.
 
Sue

Anneke's picture
Anneke

Hi Sue, I have had several roothcanals done over the years it has never effected my IC problems in a negative way.

janejones's picture
janejones

Hi Pico/Sue
I really regret getting my root canal which I had in 2004, (like you I was under pressure, as I wanted to attend a big family reunion the following week). My regular dentist was ill so I saw a root canal specialist at the same practice who said 'you need a root canal' (no surpise there! Big bucks for him of course - tho to be fair, he was a really nice guy). This was 2 years before IC struck and I often wonder how big a role it played in developing IC. I had trouble with it for years getting infected and then in 2010 luckily found a proper holistic dentist (not just one who avoids mercury) who removed it. Of course you must do what you think is best for you - I am just relating my experience. I use a strong goldenseal mouthwash for dental problems made from goldenseal tea bags - you can use the tea bag itself as a sort of poultice. Myrrh is great for beating dental infections too and I know someone who had a tooth abscess and successfully used myrrh as a paste, massaging it into the gum and this resolved the problem. Caveat: as always, ask Matia first before trying anything new.
 

suzdancer's picture
suzdancer

I too have had several root canals, one after working with Matia.  they were very successful and did not cause any problems.  
hopefully matia will get back to you.  The last one i had was with Matia's permission...we tried herbs and they just were not working. She did say that this was Very, very unusual.  i had a complicated case.
i must say that if i had known Matia when i had my first two root canals, i would have tried the herbs first.
Even my dentist (non- holistic) said that teeth are funny things...you do not always know what is causing the pain.
Sorry about the time pressure you are in.  

Pico's picture
Pico

I wanted to thank everyone for their quick replies.  As they are all so different, I decided to cancel my appointment but not rule out getting one done.  I am going to take a chance and play it out to see if I can heal it and then get it done if I have to.  The pain subsided a bit today, so it was easier to make this decision.  Pain is dictating the outcome ultmately , I guess.  I am going to try to find a holistic dentist and see what he has to advise. 
 
If anyone has further things to add, by all means don't consider this a closed book.  :)))
 
Thanks again - Sue

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

Great! And pack your goldenseal for the trip in case Dr. B allows it!
You have reminded me that I need to find a holistic dentist (for my kids too!). But Dr. B told me to leave my amalgam fillings alone until treatment is over. It seems it is a lot for the immune system to correct existing dentistry during treatment (filling removal, etc...).

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

Pico's picture
Pico

Mimi,
 
Thanks for your constant support! :))))
 
Sue

cprince's picture
cprince

No specific info on root canals as never had any dental work done, but have had tooth pain during treatment and Dr. B was able to give me something to help with relieving the pain. It still acts up, but looking at the teeth charts it matches areas of my imbalance. Like Mimi said the teeth have a lot to do/say about our internal imbalances! Hope things settle even more and don't have to worry about this before your trip! Best wishes!

Pico's picture
Pico

CPrince,
 
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. 
 
How long did you experience the tooth pain for?  Right now I am just rinsing my mouth with a goldenseal formula Dr. Brizman gave me at our first appointment. 
 
It's  funny because I have different symptoms from this tooth ache.  One day it's pain radiating from my tooth to my ear, another day cold and hot drinks bother it badly, and today it just hurts when I chew on it. 
 
Another thing is that my anxiety has returned with it. :(
 
Dr. Brizman did send me a short note (Yay!)  but no remedy yet.
 
Sue
 
.
 
 

cprince's picture
cprince

Hi Sue!
I had pain for about a month and I still get it off and on, but not to the same degree pain wise just aches! We know it definitely is related to an internal imbalance, because after the first tooth started hurting it wasn't long after the same tooth on the other side started to hurt! So weird! I think she was having me actually take goldenseal for it, but my stomach can't handle it so she switched it up. Don't remember exactly, but in the end it helped! Hope Dr. B has some good advice to help you! Those teeth are no fun!:(

Pico's picture
Pico

Wanted everyone to know that Dr Brizman  has me taking something and my  tooth is feeling great already.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm really glad I didn't get the root canal  ...so far. 
I really appreciated everyone's support. 
Sue. 

lolo's picture
lolo

I am uplifted to hear you have some help with Dr M, Pico. and the stories of you all. I am constantly reminding myself not to regret former dentists and treatments and life in general. It just serves no purpose!!.Onward and upward ... Maya Angelou quote (paraphrased) " Do the best you can until you know better. Then,when you know better, do better."  ;)... I just tuned into this and am currently suffering the recurring, but this time more intense, tooth problem with possibility of root canal. Once again, have messaged Dr M and await her input, but would love to know what herbs she advised for you? knowing we are all different and at different places in healing. 
Can you share?

fahlmank's picture
fahlmank

Hi Lolo,
    Unfortunately, I am familiar with the root canal issues. I had my first one awhile ago - about 1.6 years. After the root canal, the fistula got better but still remained. I read  " Let the Tooth be Known" and it was a very informative read. After the root canal failed, I had the tooth removed just two weeks ago. It was the right decision for me. I am certainly not advocating every one needs to get their tooth removed, but to make informed decisions. Another good read is " The Root Canal Cover-up". I didn't understand at the time why Dr M was trying so hard for me to avoid a root canal. I get it now. 
Best wishes, Katie

lolo's picture
lolo

Oh dear..how wearing is this painful worry! I am sorry you know it, too,  Katie, but appreciate the company, info AND the titles. I am going to look for them and learn!
We have yet to determine which tooth so haven't considered extraction yet. In fact I've been holding it at bay for 3 years after being told nothing wrong with the teeth and ENT said all healthy w/sinuses and had a CRT with no sign of cause. Now it's settled smaller area..seems it's another tooth...Pain transference! OMG..I have considered getting them all pulled, and then having nightmarish thought it is not teeth, at all...I hope for more info this week...
 I am happy you've made right decision and pain is gone..hooray!  Thanks Katie..    
  Lois

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

Lois
If you look at Healingbybee website she talks about how each little tooth is its own organ. As you heal I think it is not surprising that your teeth react to the shifts. I am glad you have not jumped on any of this. My tooth sensitivity seems to move aroudn my dental implant area. I notice it comes and goes and this makes me realize that it is probably not getting worse and to just keep an eye on it. Thanks for all of your postiive comments of late. Love the Maya Angelou quote! xo

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

lolo's picture
lolo

Tuned into Healing by Bee thanks to you Mimi...
I went to the endodontist re ttothache. He says no evidence of any reason, maybe one overfilled tooth but does not want to do root canal and then find tht wasn't the answer. Good man! So, here I sit amidst exams by 2 great dentists, 1 major respected expert and 1 excellent  specialist with no answer for pain. I move between relief and discomfort, but at least know the teeth are ok! So now, new night guard, maybe acupuncture and a reline of a partial and always Dr M at the helm and die-off as possibility. I am updating this to share and perhaps add to files of others with similiar problems. I asked the Dr if  he sees anyone else with similiar problems..He said..EVERYDAY. ...more learning to be had and more adversity on the journey...I am eternlly grateful, strangelythough, at the same time as I have such a bounty of  Dr M, this forum and good company of IC sisters...What a trip!
 

fahlmank's picture
fahlmank

It sounds as though you have got a great team to help you navigate this tooth issue. Keep us posted!

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

Katie how did your root canal removal go?

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

fahlmank's picture
fahlmank

Hey Mimi, Thanks for asking! The tooth was removed about three weeks ago and went well. It was absolutely the right decision for me. I have seen an overall change for the positive in my constitution since having the tooth removed. Also, I am happy to report that a recent heavy metal test shows my arsenic level has dropped almost 70 points and am well within the range of "normal";) I just feel better !

deir's picture
deir

Awesome! Did you get a partial denture?

deir's picture
deir

Awesome! Did you get a partial denture?

fahlmank's picture
fahlmank

Nope, it's all the way in the back so I plan on doing nothing unless my bite gets thrown off. I am lucky that I have not had to worry about the aesthetic aspect of the removal. Those healing crisis symptoms keep coming though so something is shifting.....,

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

GREAT news Katie! I am sure you must attribute the heavy metal improvements also to the chelation work you are doing with Dr. Brizman??

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

fahlmank's picture
fahlmank

Mimi, I chose not to chelate with DMSA ( the conventional method) because although effective, it is harsh on the body. Dr Brizman and I worked to figure out a combination of spirulina and chlorella that was as equally effective as DMSA AND supportive of my overall health. This was added to my normal protocol and over the course of months.....viola! So, yes- it is a combination of a number of supportive measures to chelate effectively. I am very relived and had a wonderful appt with Dr B today.....I have been on list 5 for three weeks and doing well;)

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

THis is fantastic!!! Yes figured you were chelating with sprirulina and chlorella

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

suzdancer's picture
suzdancer

Reguarding tooth pain, hopefully this info might help someone.....one of my friends elderly mothers had 2 teeth pulled do to continuous pain.  The dentists said that they could not tell why she had the pain.  When she started having pain in a third tooth, her daughter took her to a good acupunturist.  After 3 treatments the pain was gone! And has not come back!
This has convinced me that when there is tooth pain involved without any obvious infection...accupunture may be the answer.

Pico's picture
Pico

I just wanted to let everyone know that since Dr Brizman helped me avoid the root canal last year, I have had no tooth  pain at all and feel so glad to have avoided the whole procedure and the expense.  I remember being in a lot of pain and was so willing to just listen to my dentist (who's a wonderful human being, btw). But to now know that a serious tooth pain can sometimes be cured by treating the infection through Chinese medicine - I am still truly amazed... And grateful Dr Brizman encouraged me to trust her and give it a try. Add it to the list of so many other ways her treatment has benefitted my health!!!  Sue 

cathy's picture
cathy

I have wondered how you are doing, you went into treatment the same time as me. How is your bladder doing these days?

Pico's picture
Pico

Cathy,
My bladder is really doing great and my IC symptoms seem to be light years away. 
How are you doing?
So sorry for my delay in replying. A full time job at my husband's business since January  keeps me extremely busy and I only check this forum once or twice a week now. 
 
Sue

cathy's picture
cathy

I am so glad for you, you did really well. I would say I am about 60-70 % better, I am still always aware of my bladder and have frequency but I know I will get there, I think being in menopause does not help matters. I look forward to the day I am symptom free and can put this behind me.

Pico's picture
Pico

Cathy,
I am glad to know you are making progress. Did your IC come on gradually or quickly?  Were you taking conventional medicine before you began with Dr Brizman?
 
It took me a lot to decide to do the prolapse surgery. I've never had surgery in my life and am the kind of person who never takes even a Tylenol. I basically get under the covers and rest for how ever long it takes if I get the sick with the flu. Even after surgery, I refused pain killers or Tylenol. So when I came down with a serious case of IC 2 months after my surgery, I was at my wits end at what to do. I had every symptom for 2.5 months and didn't take anything - but some Chinese herbal medicine my acupuncturist thought would help with my extreme anxiety and help me sleep more than the one - two hours I was getting a night. When I finally found the forum, Dr Brizman's diet helped enormously. Many of my symptoms were reduced by more than 1/2 by the time I saw her and it has been pretty smooth sailing since. She thought because I've not taken anything such as BC, antibiotics, and I guess all the other conventional medicines, that I might respond quickly to her treatment and that has been the case. I still have a rectocele that was never corrected properly in surgery like it was suppose to have been, but I remind myself that I do not have cancer and can live a healthy and pain free life as I am right now, so I will wait to address that problem as it becomes necessary. 
From what I understand from reading the forums, it takes a little more time to heal your body if you were exposed to some harmful medicines. I guess it could be just that some people take longer. I do know that I felt like I was a healthy person on all levels before Dr Brizman, but I feel the best and healthiest I've ever felt my whole life - and I am 53 years old. So I can honestly say that I am glad I got IC because it lead me to her and an intelligent diet plan for life and a trusted healer to reach for when I have any important health decisions to make. And I found this very enlightening forum. And I don't feel deprived at all of the sugar and alcohol, etc. and I don't remember even feeling that way on level 1 (maybe at first when I didn't have all the right food set up in the house and starved occasionally because of it. )  
I'm sorry if I went on too long, Cathy and hope I didn't bore you. :)))

cathy's picture
cathy

Pico
Mine came on suddenly out of nowhere, at first I thought it was a UTI though the last time I had one was when I was a kid and I am now 54 so not prone to them. It took a year to get diagnosed then went on Elmiron and hydralazine for 3 months and was taking sleeping pills also. She thought the benadryl and other antihistamines that I had been taking for years was the cause. I stopped everything the day I started treatment, though I do take the occasional benadryl when I am having severe allergies which she said was ok.
I have never eaten so healthy in my life and can't wait until I am symptom free and can move on, I will never touch alcohol or sugar again, I am quite happy with fruit and yoghurt. I am on list 4 so can have a varied diet which helps in sticking to it, though I have never cheated and I am determind to get well and stay well.
I am glad you have progressed well in a short period of time, will you stay on with DR Brizman when you have finished treatment? I think I will and have an appt every 3 months just incase I need her for anything.

Pico's picture
Pico

Cathy,
 
I am so sorry for not replying. On June 22, my 82 year old dad was in a  terrible car accident with my stepmom and 2 dear friends. He's been in ICU since then and I am writing you as I sleep another night in his room with him. Everyone else  is fortunately recovering well (although it was touch and go at first for them too). His will be a much tougher path, but he has been a very wonderful patient.  I am very proud of him. 
 
Have to say, that I might not be as calm through all of this if I wasn't on Dr. Brizman's protocol and to also have learned a lot from everyone's advice for anxiety on the forum in the past. Just taking it moment by moment with no expectations and no regrets. 
 
Cathy- I really enjoyed your story and it seems like you're really doing great. :)) Your question about staying with Dr. Brizman was a good one. I've often wondered when women finally decide to go on their own. She's helped me out with so many other health issues, I don't know if I want to risk losing her advice. But at some point I have to weigh in on whether I can afford the bimonthly fee for my appointments.  Her advice for the root canal saved me at least $3,000.00, tho - so....And once you stop you would lose your place as her client and I understand  you can't just sign on for an appointment here or there. So for now, I do not feel I can stop my appointments. It would be interesting to learn why other women decided to stop their treatments with her after feeling they reached their optimum health and what they do now for health advice. 
 
Well - you must have thought I was so rude not to reply. Just checked in on forum and wanted  to reply right away. Hope all is well with you. :)
Sue
 

DLFox123's picture
DLFox123

Dear Sue,
My heart aches for you and your Dad - I hope all gets better.
 
Take Care

cathy's picture
cathy

Sue
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he recovers soon. I lost my dad suddenly last year and had to fly to ENgland from the US, the stress can be very difficult to handle anytime but worse I think with IC.
I think you can stay on with DR Brizman as long as you have an appt every 3 months, that is what I plan on doing, basically keeping in contact with her rather than my primary care Physician. I would rather do everything natural unless I had something life threatening that I had to do conventional treatments.

Pico's picture
Pico

Thank-you Denise and Cathy. :))

Mimij67's picture
Mimij67

HI Sue I am praying for you and your dear dad! ((((hugs)))) 

If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.

Pico's picture
Pico

Thank you Mimi. He could really use them. :))