An infected tooth may put other parts of the body at risk. People who have certain exposures, such as a prosthetic joint replacement or mitral valve prolapse, may need to take antibiotics to protect against the spread of infection during dental procedures. Both endodontic treatment and tooth extraction can lead to infection of the jawbone later. The American Dental Association (ADA) asserts that any risks can be adequately controlled. In the early 20th century, many researchers theorized that bacteria from teeth with necrotic pulps or that had received endodontic treatment could cause chronic or local infection in areas distant from the tooth by transporting the bacteria through the bloodstream. This theory has been called the “focal infection theory,” and has led to some dentists advocating tooth extraction.
In the 1930s, this theory collapsed, but it was revived soon after with a book titled “The Root Canal Cover-up Exposed” that used early discredited research, compounding those epidemiological studies that found a relationship between periodontal disease and heart disease. stroke, and premature birth. Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) can be caused by many daily activities, for example brushing the teeth, but can also occur after any dental procedures that involve bleeding. It is possible to occur, especially after tooth extraction, due to the movement of the tooth and the force needed to extract it. However, endodontic treated teeth alone do not cause bacteremia or systemic diseases.[26]
