Let’s Get To The ROOT Of The Matter…
The Root of the Problem: How One Infected Tooth Sabotaged Healing for Years
When Healing Stalls, Look Deeper—Even Into the Jaw
In functional medicine, we often say, “If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not healing, look in the mouth.” One of the most overlooked sources of chronic inflammation and systemic illness is an infected root canal. Often invisible to conventional medical testing, these oral infections can quietly impair immune function, keep inflammation simmering, and disrupt the nervous system for years—if not decades.
Let’s explore the underlying mechanism and share the remarkable story of one of our patients whose health transformation began with addressing the root of her illness—literally.
The Science: Why Root Canals Can Become Chronic Infections
When a root canal is performed, the goal is to save a damaged or infected tooth by removing the inner pulp, sterilizing the canals, and sealing them. But even with modern techniques, the reality is this: a tooth is a living structure with up to 3 miles of microscopic tubules. These tiny channels can harbor bacteria that survive the procedure.
Because the tooth is now “non-vital,” the immune system can no longer reach the area effectively. Over time, the sealed-off space becomes the perfect anaerobic environment for bacteria to multiply, releasing toxic byproducts into the bloodstream.
These bacterial toxins:
Trigger systemic inflammation
Can aggravate autoimmune conditions
Cause neurotransmitter imbalances and vagus nerve irritation (leading to anxiety, palpitations, and poor sleep)
Promote jawbone cavitations, dead bone areas that prevent healthy drainage and regeneration
And yet, this infection often goes unnoticed—until symptoms build up enough to trigger action.
A Warrior's Story: Relief After Years of Mystery Symptoms
One of our patients had been battling chronic anxiety, autoimmune thyroid dysfunction, heart palpitations, and fatigue. Despite a strong wellness foundation—including detox support, dietary changes, and supplementation—she still woke each morning with anxiety and a feeling of pressure in her chest.
Then came the numbness—specifically on one side of her jaw, in the area of an old root canal.
A cone beam CT scan at a biological dental office revealed what conventional scans had missed: extensive infection deep within the bone, stemming from the root canal. The tooth was discolored, deteriorated, and visibly compromised. Infection had extended into the jawbone and created multiple pockets of inflammation.
Once the tooth was extracted and the infected bone cleaned and grafted, everything started to shift. For the first time in years:
She no longer woke up in panic
The heart fluttering stopped
Her face was no longer numb
Sleep improved
Energy returned
Her recovery wasn't just physical—it was emotional and empowering. With the burden lifted, her body could finally begin to heal.
How We Support Whole-Body Dental Recovery
At The Lyday Center, we take dental health seriously—especially for patients with mold toxicity, autoimmune disease, and unresolved anxiety. Infected root canals and cavitations are frequently hidden in complex cases, and often go unrecognized in traditional settings.
That’s why we recommend seeking evaluation with a trusted holistic provider like Dr. Brian W. at Howard Dental, who offers:
Cone beam 3D imaging to visualize cavitations, abscesses, and bone loss
Biological extraction and sterilization techniques
A whole-body dental philosophy that integrates with functional medicine care
After dental intervention, we guide our patients through:
Ozone therapy to reduce microbial load and promote tissue healing
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to oxygenate bone and accelerate recovery
Detox support using binders, glutathione, and liver drainage protocols
These steps help the body process the toxic burden released during the procedure and prevent symptom flares during recovery.
Could Your Symptoms Be Dental in Origin?
If you’ve experienced:
Unexplained anxiety or heart palpitations
Autoimmune flares or poor immune resilience
Chronic fatigue or poor detox ability
Jaw numbness, pressure, or dental history
…it may be time to investigate further. A root canal you had years ago may be quietly interfering with your health today.
Start the Healing Journey
If you're feeling stuck despite your best efforts, we invite you to take the next step. At The Lyday Center, we specialize in investigating overlooked causes of chronic illness—root canals included. Let us help you uncover the truth, connect you with the right dental team, and support your body through whole-person recovery.
Schedule a consultation today and find out if a hidden dental infection could be the missing piece in your healing journey.