DNA ConneXions lab services support personalized therapies for root canal-treated teeth in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Root canal therapy is marketed by other dentists as the only way to “save” a tooth. But should a badly infected tooth be “saved”? Unfortunately, the answer is “no.” Even the most astute professionals and the most advanced dental tools cannot remove all the harmful bacteria present. These microbes can then reinfect the tooth and have other negative consequences for your health. Due to the complications associated with root canal treatment, at Go Natural Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we do not offer this procedure. Instead, the tooth is removed (“biopsied”) and sent to our lab partner, DNA ConneXions, for analysis.

What is the lab looking for? 

DNA ConneXions can detect 88 different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They create a personalized report, which lists all of the detected microbes; for instance, a sample report might list almost 20 pathogens. Examples of microbes that may be identified include several different types of streptococci and staphylococcus and spirochetes such as Borrelia burgdorferi. These and many other pathogens have been implicated in the development of numerous chronic and systemic diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to Lyme disease. When the blood supply is cut off, the root canal-treated tooth is effectively “dead.” Thus, it makes the ideal breeding ground for the germs that contribute to these and other diseases. 

The extent of your health risk 

Along with identifying the types of microbes that are present, the DNA ConneXions reports also graphically illustrate how much of a risk each substance poses to your health. The “total risk factor” is derived from both the pathogen risk and measured risk factors. The former measurement indicates the inherent threat posed by the microbe, based on attributes such as antibiotic resistance. The latter factor accounts for characteristics such as the quantity of each pathogen that is detected. The sum of the pathogen and measured risk factors is on a scale of 0 to 18. Any total risk factor above 7.5 indicates “moderate risk,” while those factors of at least 9 indicate “serious” risk. 

Take action 

It is one thing to truly understand the microorganisms that your mouth may be harboring and how they affect your health. It is quite another to do something about it! The data that we get from DNA ConneXions plays a vital role in how we move forward with restoring your oral and overall health. These findings inform a highly personalized treatment plan. When we understand the nature of the bacteria present in your mouth, we can recommend antibiotics that will effectively target and eradicate these risks to your health. 

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Cintron at Go Natural Dentistry today. (855) 381-6001