Dr. Mark Burhenne

If there are fractures in the teeth, root canal could delay the loss of that structure, but it could also complicate things. Certainly if it's from an acute moment, a fracture from an accident or a blow, to the face. So root canals are tricky. I hate to admit that as a dentist, but I think in dental school, you're told that it's a fantastic way to be able to save a dying or dead tooth.

If there are fractures in the teeth, root canal could delay the loss of that structure, but it could also complicate things. Certainly if it's from an acute moment, a fracture from an accident or a blow, to the face. So root canals are tricky. I hate to admit that as a dentist, but I think in dental school, you're told that it's a fantastic way to be able to save a dying or dead tooth.

If there are fractures in the teeth, root canal could delay the loss of that structure, but it could also complicate things. Certainly if it's from an acute moment, a fracture from an accident or a blow, to the face. So root canals are tricky. I hate to admit that as a dentist, but I think in dental school, you're told that it's a fantastic way to be able to save a dying or dead tooth.

I mean, in medicine, can we save dead tissue? No, we usually cut it out. But the tooth is a unique structure. It has a hard shell. It's the only, I mean, you wouldn't do that to bone because there's bone marrow inside there. And bone is living. Enamel is inert. So it has that outer structure. Can it survive in the mouth if it's sealed off from the rest of the body? Theoretically, yes.

I mean, in medicine, can we save dead tissue? No, we usually cut it out. But the tooth is a unique structure. It has a hard shell. It's the only, I mean, you wouldn't do that to bone because there's bone marrow inside there. And bone is living. Enamel is inert. So it has that outer structure. Can it survive in the mouth if it's sealed off from the rest of the body? Theoretically, yes.

I mean, in medicine, can we save dead tissue? No, we usually cut it out. But the tooth is a unique structure. It has a hard shell. It's the only, I mean, you wouldn't do that to bone because there's bone marrow inside there. And bone is living. Enamel is inert. So it has that outer structure. Can it survive in the mouth if it's sealed off from the rest of the body? Theoretically, yes.

Practically, there are a lot of problems with it. Absolutely.

Practically, there are a lot of problems with it. Absolutely.

Practically, there are a lot of problems with it. Absolutely.

Taking the tooth out has its issues as well. And implants are far from perfect. You can get gum disease, peri-implantitis around an implant. They don't connect the same way as teeth do to the jawbone. I'm not saying you shouldn't get an implant, but... Try and hang on to that tooth if you can. A natural tooth, whether it's alive or dead.

Taking the tooth out has its issues as well. And implants are far from perfect. You can get gum disease, peri-implantitis around an implant. They don't connect the same way as teeth do to the jawbone. I'm not saying you shouldn't get an implant, but... Try and hang on to that tooth if you can. A natural tooth, whether it's alive or dead.

Taking the tooth out has its issues as well. And implants are far from perfect. You can get gum disease, peri-implantitis around an implant. They don't connect the same way as teeth do to the jawbone. I'm not saying you shouldn't get an implant, but... Try and hang on to that tooth if you can. A natural tooth, whether it's alive or dead.

If it's dead, hopefully it's cleaned out and it's sealed off. That still has that soft tissue ligament attachment to the jawbone. It still moves a little bit. You can still feel pressure on the tooth. Can't do that with an implant.

If it's dead, hopefully it's cleaned out and it's sealed off. That still has that soft tissue ligament attachment to the jawbone. It still moves a little bit. You can still feel pressure on the tooth. Can't do that with an implant.

If it's dead, hopefully it's cleaned out and it's sealed off. That still has that soft tissue ligament attachment to the jawbone. It still moves a little bit. You can still feel pressure on the tooth. Can't do that with an implant.

Well, thank you for having me on the podcast again and for your interest in oral health. It's not always a thing. And oral health, hopefully in this discussion, we can all agree that oral health is a big player in overall health, not just longevity, but in the quality of your life.

Well, thank you for having me on the podcast again and for your interest in oral health. It's not always a thing. And oral health, hopefully in this discussion, we can all agree that oral health is a big player in overall health, not just longevity, but in the quality of your life.

Well, thank you for having me on the podcast again and for your interest in oral health. It's not always a thing. And oral health, hopefully in this discussion, we can all agree that oral health is a big player in overall health, not just longevity, but in the quality of your life.

I really don't have anything to add other than you scrape your tongue, take interest in your mouth, smile, stay away from toxins, see the right dentist. I mean, all the things we talked about. There are things that you can do at home that are simple and easy. There are things that you can take out of your routine like mouthwash. Don't spend the money and time. It's just it can really...

I really don't have anything to add other than you scrape your tongue, take interest in your mouth, smile, stay away from toxins, see the right dentist. I mean, all the things we talked about. There are things that you can do at home that are simple and easy. There are things that you can take out of your routine like mouthwash. Don't spend the money and time. It's just it can really...