Root canal caused my RA

[lh63]

Had my root canal 11 years ago with no negative side effects. Eight months ago was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. It literally started overnight and had me bed ridden within a month. I took all prescribed medicine and changed my diet which helped my symptoms. I watched the program 'Root cause' and then found a meridian tooth chart which matched exactly where my RA symptoms were. My family dentist was worthless and refused to help me because there were no signs of infection around root canal. I found a dentist who agreed to help me and took out the root canal and ligament. Immediate results... no pain, no medicine, no RA. It's only been 6 weeks but I am enjoying every single minute of feeling 'normal' again!!!!!

[Mmrr]

Very interesting.

I had a bad fall, fell onto my face and broke 8 teeth. Lots of repeat root canal work trying to save teeth, which have not been right since.

6 months after the fall I gradually became unwell and deteriorated , sore joints, aches, teeth always 'bumped' / got hot and became sore when I was very unwell. Around a year later I had RA.

Dentist and consultant say the teeth and my RA are not connected. I'm not so sure.

I wan't the teeth taken out, but cannot get well enough to get the work done. Dentist says I need to be on 5 mgs or less of prednisilone a day, consultant says I only need to stop benepali for 1 week before extractions and can restart when the wounds have healed. MTX can continue.

But I can't get the steroids down, the RA just flares and I am so unwell when I drop the steroids. It's a vicious circle.

[lh63 in reply to Mmrr]

I tried to stop taking all medicine before my root canal removal and was in horrible pain so I went back on it. I was taking methotrexate and plaqunil when I had the tooth removed. I stopped the plaqunil the week before and only a half dose of methotrexate. After removal, nothing. I only have occasional mild soreness in my wrist that was there already when this whole nightmare started. Find a biological dentist in your area. I had to drive 1 1/2 hours each way but it was worth it!!!

[Mmrr in reply to lh63]

Very interesting. I want the root canals out anyway, they are persistently numb and I cannot bite on them. I never been able to since they were first done.

I've never heard of a biological dentist, but will look now. The few people who have posted here have refocused me and my need to get these teeth out.

Thankyou.

[helixhelix]

The site has changed format a bit so I can’t work out how to search for specific members. Anyway, there is a Canadian woman called Suzannedale / Cherub1988 who had exactly the same experience as you. Once her root canal was removed her RA symptoms went. Eventually she was diagnosed with something else that I can’t remember.

Anyway, I hope this is now a permanent solution for you, and essentially it was just a nasty case of a reactive arthritis.

[lh63 in reply to helixhelix]

Reactive arthritis? I have not heard this term... can you elaborate?

[helixhelix in reply to lh63]

There are a lot of different types of inflammatory arthritis, and one is reactive arthritis. It usually is triggered by having an infection and has similar symptoms of joint pain to other types of arthritis. The good thing is that it usually goes away after about a year.

A friend of mine had it in response to a tooth abscess, and had a horrible nine months, but then it went.

[lh63 in reply to helixhelix]

I’ll pray every day that this is what I had....

[charisma]

That’s great news, and very interesting.

Hoping you remain totally free of any inflammatory arthritis.

[Hidden]

This has worried me a bit because I am seeing a dentist very soon about having root canal work done. It is to save a double tooth and if I don't have it done, then I will have to have it taken out. I have never had root canal work done before and this is to remove the roots and clean out and canals because at present I have an infection there and am on penicillin for it. Do you think that I would be better to have the took out than to do through the root canal work? Obviously my RA cannot have been caused by root canal work because I haven't had it done before.

[lh63 in reply to Hidden]

I wouldn't want to speculate on your situation. I would see a biological dentist and check out the meridian tooth chart and see if your RA is linked with other teeth you may have dental work in.

[medway-lady]

I think if this could possably work why is RA in the fossil records? If it works for you then I'm pleased but RA is more than joint pain and swelling, it can affect blood, lungs ets so I would urge caution. I had RA before root canals and one done after diagnosis years ago and so mine can't be related to toothy treatments but I also am wondering if its down to antibiotics as well as taking Doxycline always seems to help the RA as well as chest infection. We are all different so i wish you well.

[Mmrr in reply to medway-lady]

I don't think we are saying everyone who has root canal treatment is at risk of RD. Many people with RD have root canal treatment with no issues, that would be the norm.

But, there is a link between RD and teeth, that's widely accepted, by dentists and rheumatologists. The same goes for tooth/gum disease and heart infections, endocarditis.

In susceptible individuals it is quite possible that root canal , or maybe just teeth issues can cause RD. It could well be the 'trigger', the 'catastrophic event ' we speak of.

My damaged teeth, flare up when my joints flare up, they have never been right since all the root canal work. So for me getting them out may just offer a teeny weeny chance of the RD setting. If it doesn't then I'll have more comfortable teeth.

[medway-lady in reply to Mmrr]

Just might be but nowadays an implant could help if taking out the root does'nt help and you habve a gap. I think its so complex that a proper study should be done by NRAS and NHS as it can't be the odd few it happens too and I'd be glad to do a questionairre if it informs an overall picture of RA. I wonder if a simple cold could also inflame along with a bug as triggers must exist really. For me it might have been stress but not sure. xx

[Mmrr in reply to medway-lady]

As you say so complex, I've got a few other risk factors too. I smoked for a few years, many , many years ago, I'm atopic and have always had sensitivities to chemicals, pefurmes, I had a stressful childhood, there is psoriasis and asthma in my family. It's all so difficult to sort out.

If i ever manage to get the steroids low enough that the dentist will take the root canals out, I'll let you know how I get on 🤗 ( I'm opting for a bridge rather than an implant as I dont want any more invasive work).

[medway-lady in reply to Mmrr]

I don't blame you and I have a bridge but did fall off a wall aged 12'ish ( naughty child) and smashed a tooth out. I have other auto conditions p ANCA and ANA antibodies so am just so grateful I'm not diabetic and despite kidney failure because its an injury I can eat anything except bananas, grapes and baked beans. Long as chocolate does'nt go on that list I'll cope. I've been taking Azarathopine for past two weeks it seems to be working as hand swelling gone down and a bit more energy but early days still.

[Mmrr in reply to medway-lady]

One can live without baked beans, but chocolate ?

[medway-lady in reply to Mmrr]

Impossable anyway chocolate is a vegetable really! xx lol

[AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady]

There is a good article on arthritis.org about RA /gum disease.

[lh63 in reply to medway-lady]

Yes, there are many people who don't have the root canal link. When I was diagnosed with RA I didn't have any family history of it, my inflammation was swollen but not red &hot. I did not have recent infection....yet every doctor was positive that it was RA. I was determined to find out what would cause such a sudden and violent reaction. I'm hoping it's in remission or gone for good.

[Mall]

I had a root canal treatment removed, it didn't help my RA so may be wasn't a trigger for me.

[Mmrr in reply to Mall]

The way it is for the almost everyone I suspect.

[lh63 in reply to Mall]

Wisdom tooth removal and mercury fillings can cause issues too. I was diagnosed 8 months before the extraction. I don't think I have much long term damage from the RA. My one wrist has permanent damage, but now alieve works when taken once a week.

[kellienix]

That’s interesting, but I’m skeptical about RA being cured with removal of root canal. I have been told by all my docs that it is widely believed that an infection or virus can be the trigger in the body that causes RA to emerge. I had a rough pregnancy with 2nd child, and strep throat and a double ear infection when I was 37 weeks. Diagnosed 4 months later. That was 25 years ago. But I do know the RA, meds and bone loss has caused severe gum disease. Maybe when I can afford to get dentures it’ll cure me, though I’m not holding my breath. Good luck to you!

[Mmrr in reply to kellienix]

I had 3 courses of antibiotics in quick succession, trying to keep the teeth and new root canals. It is possible a link is there with onset of my RD 6 months later. Then again perhaps not, who knows ?

[lh63 in reply to Mmrr]

My root canal was 11 rears old with no signs of infection. When I had it removed there were signs of infection in the socket. There was no other infection I had that could’ve triggered the RA. The day after the extraction I already felt a difference.

[lh63 in reply to kellienix]

It is a terrible illness, I hope you can find relief soon.

[E_2b]

Same as my story...root canal 2012 very ill with RA 2014 and 2015.

Tooth extracted December 2015.

Like you immediately I felt better.

Rheumatologist changed my diagnosis from rheumatoid arthritis to reactive arthritis.

Today as I was cycling my bike and feeling so well, I was reflecting summer 4 years ago I was in bed and very ill most of the time. I feel so lucky. I do remember when I was very ill, someone said to me miracles do happen. I said really?

Ih63 I'm so happy for you.

[Mmrr in reply to E_2b]

Very heart warming to hear another story regarding having root canals removed. Thankyou.

I must get my steroids reduced and get the root canals out.

A small chance of improvement, but worth taking.

[E_2b in reply to Mmrr]

When I was ill, I had one friend who used to always say to me we will leave no stone unturned.

So many good wishes from me to you for good health.

[lh63 in reply to E_2b]

I told my rheumatologist the same thing. No stone unturned even if there's a small chance of beating this nightmare of a disease. Biological dentist was really helpful.

[lh63 in reply to E_2b]

I literally get tears in my eyes when I think about how sick and depressed I was and how I am living a miracle. I was issued a death sentence at 54 years old with two teenage boys. I am so grateful and try to enjoy every minute of pain free life. So glad you found the same!!!!!

[E_2b in reply to lh63]

The positive is I daily appreciate being pain free and alive as it seems you do too.

In my case a dentist left a file in the root and the upper third of the root was never root canaled. I was not told.

I am also 54!

Our stories are important in case they can help other people.

Have a great day

[Jw2807 in reply to E_2b]

Hi! Did u get a bridging or implant? Am torn between redoing my root canal with an Endodontic or extracting it totally. Am seronegative RA recently.

[E_2b in reply to Jw2807]

Neither, I have a big gap! I'm only self conscious in photos. I may get a partial denture that I can take in and out at some stage.

Why redo your root canal?

Redo what to it?

[Mmrr in reply to E_2b]

I got my 2 root canals take out 6 days ago. No real problems, still healing, waiting to see if there is any RD improvement probably not.

I got a temporary bridge, great cosmetic match, easy to deal with.

[E_2b in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks for that tip, did dentist tell you if they found any infection when they removed your root canals? I'm glad the procedure went so well for you.

Keep us posted, you are very brave

[Mmrr in reply to E_2b]

No active infection, but indentations on the root of one tooth, which indicates past infection, the full length of the root.

[Juliachoo]

I’m a big believer in this horrid disease being pre existing in us all but takes a “trigger” to start it... in my case it was a rare form of slow rotting appendix which resulted in peritonitis & gangrene & a close call ... I never felt right afterwards, I felt my “zest for life” had disappeared.. fast forward 6 years & bang RA... so yes triggered by something xx

[lh63 in reply to Juliachoo]

Yes, a trigger for sure. My doctors think mine was a giant bakers cyst, but I think my root canal hit the 10 year mark and was seeping infection into my system.

[Mmrr]

This post made me contact my dentist, and get moving with my teeth grumbles, so thank you very much for posting. It has been great motivator, what this site is all about.

I have had 2 long chats on the phone over the past few days with my dentist (he wanted to seek more information on dental work and biologics to make sure he was as up to date as he could be).

We have a plan, I'm moving forward and will have impressions taken in 2 weeks, with an aim to have both root canal teeth removed when he comes back from holiday at the end of July. I've not to come off steroids, he will give me a steroid boost after he removes the root canals. Modern dental work he informs me is very aware of biologics and dental work and not too concerned. At most I will need to come of biologics for 2 weeks, 1 before and 1 after removal, but I could continue with biologics and just be vigilant for infection, accepting that antibiotics might be necessary. Hence him not doing the work until he comes back from holiday and can offer support. This is broadly inline with what my rheumatologist said.

So anyone on biologics and needing dental work, don't let the biologics put you off.

[kellienix]

Did you have a root canal and a crown, and had those removed and then have an implant to replace it?

[Jw2807]

Hi! Did U manage to get a implant or bridging. Am about to redo my root canal but am torn between extracting it totally or redoing. Am seronegative RA.

[Hidden]

I’m interested in this. I have just had historic “suboptimal” root canals replaced in two molars and am waiting to have a premolar with 3-5 root canals in the one tooth, dating back to 1982 when I had a huge abscess from root canal, waiting to be removed or replaced by a doctor or restorative dentistry in my local university teaching hospital. It’s too complex a job for my usual dentist I’m told.

I have a history of crumbling, weak overcrowded teeth and my late mum had the same. She attributed this to both of us having infant measles and chicken pox. She oversaw my brushing obsessively and we were never allowed sweets or sugary foods. Yet I still had my own colouring in books specifically for hours spent in the dentist’s waiting room.

I’m hypothyroid and was diagnosed with RA in 2011, the same year as I suffered the death of a molar and root canal. This tooth has had to be redone in the past few months. My diagnosis of RA has been replaced by a diagnosis of Sjögren’s and inflammatory arthritis was replaced by small fibre neuropathy a few years after the RA diagnosis. I have burning mouth syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, dysguesia (a horrible taste 24/7) and ongoing simmering dental infections

I admit do lie awake at night often these days trying to work out whether to just request that all my molars are removed since all are either filled with amalgam or are root canal-ed and crowned. I can’t help wondering which came first for me - the autoimmunity or the dental work. My sister and I both suffer BMS - which is small fibre neuropathy it the mouth. Her teeth are very good but her BMS only started after her wisdom teeth were removed and she got severe oral thrush about 5 years ago. I was terribly ill too with bacterial pneumonia as a student after all four wisdom teeth were removed.

The chicken or egg debate goes on in my mind but it’s not a topic that there are any answers for yet. I think my RA disappeared after 2 years and may actually have been reactive arthritis on top of Sjögren’s. Who knows - certainly not me?! But I’m mightily tempted to have all my teeth out and replace with dentures because I feel instinctively that there is a relationship.

Interestingly one of the features of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a hereditary systemic condition often associated with autoimmune diseases, is weak, crumbly teeth!

[Hidden]

I’m under the dental hospital for my gums . My dental hygiene is excellent but things have gone down hill over the last 5 years. Although I’m 52 I’ve never had a filling until 5 years ago now I’ve fillings, crowns had canal work and gum disease. The hygienist at the dental hospital said she is working along side a rheumatologist and there is a definite link between the two .

[Karin1013]

I just removed one today. Three to go! Praying my RA goes away!!