Dr. Mercola Discusses The Challenges of Root Canals

A root canal is an invasive procedure that leaves a dead tooth in your body, setting the stage for both acute and chronic infection.

Thirteen dental clinics operated by pediatric dentist Barry L. Jacobson and his company, HQRC Management Services, were accused of performing and billing Medicaid for medically unnecessary baby root canals.

The investigation was prompted by a 2017 whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former employee, who stated that staff performed unnecessary procedures; Jacobson and HQRC agreed to a $753,457 settlement following the investigation.

Prevention of dental issues is often overlooked in favor of invasive interventions; Medicaid offers low reimbursement rates, so dentists who see a lot of Medicaid patients — whose practices tend to be located in high-poverty areas — may try to make money by performing many procedures, some of which may not be necessary.

Infected root canaled teeth may lead to heart disease, cancer and other chronic health issues; consider ozone therapy before getting a root canal or tooth extraction done, particularly on a child.