Can thermal imaging technology serve as a screening tool to assist a person who questions if they have an infected root canal, cavitation, or other chronic dental infection?
Some of our most popular articles on our blog all focus on root canals and what you can do about them.
In our root canal series, we discuss issues like the fundamental problem with root canals, options if you have a root canal, as well as your options if you are told you need a root canal among others.
It’s always been a source of frustration for us to not have a tool to help folks identify if any of their existing root canals are problematic.
You see, just because you have a root canal doesn’t mean you should have it pulled. There are currently no better options than a natural tooth to function as a tooth.
For example, take Kathy, a mid 40s woman who wrote us saying that she had 4 root canals and was suffering from a compromised immune system. Kathy said she felt that the root canals were at the source of her auto immune condition. She asked us if we had any suggestions how she might be able to determine which, if any, of her root canals were challenging her immune system.
Where’s the solution??
It was out of this frustration and prayer to be shown a solution that we realized that the answer could be from applying already existing technology in a different way.
We had been aware of thermography technology for years. Susan has been having breast screenings using thermography for the past 10 years, in place of the highly controversial mammograms.
If you haven’t heard of thermal imaging yet, you definitely aren’t alone and you owe it to yourself to get educated. In fact, most of the people you know aren’t aware of this powerful screening technology.
Originally developed by the military and used by NASA, thermography is finding its use in medicine as a screening tool to identify early tendencies toward breast cancer.
In fact, according to Dr Mike Godfrey, one of the experts we interviewed in our Healthy Mouth World Summit, thermography has been proven to be more effective at identifying early breast cancer than mammography, the current ‘go to’ screening tool for breast cancer.
An answer to the prayer…
One day, the ‘inspired’ thought came to me, “Perhaps thermography technology could be used to identify sites of chronic heat (aka inflammation) in the mouth?”
After all, an infected region around a tooth is about the same depth inside the body as a problem area within breast tissue.
So, when we were in San Diego last, we looked up Wendy Sellens, a certified thermographer who coauthored the book, Breast Cancer Bootcamp, with THE authority of thermal imaging, Dr William Hobbins.
Although Wendy’s area of specialization is in early screening for breast issues, she conferred with Dr Hobbins and found out that indeed, thermal imaging has its place in identifying areas of chronic heat in the face.
Thermal Imaging Can Serve as a Functional Screen for Chronic Heat in the Mouth
I was thrilled hearing this because that meant that we had a solution to share with people like Kathy to determine if any of her root canals were problematic!
You see, for a person like Kathy who had 4 root canals and an auto immune condition, the thought of pulling 4 teeth was not a pretty picture. However, if Kathy could get a thermal image of her face and determine if chronic heat/inflammation exists in the region of one of her root canals, she could focus her efforts in addressing that area. And if she had to have that one root canal tooth removed, at least it was only one tooth and not all four!
So, while at Wendy’s clinic, I asked if she would be willing to take some images of my head. I shared with her that I had one area in my mouth that was ‘talking to me’ and I wanted to see if the thermal images would pick up the sense that I had of a minor infection.
Sure enough, when we discussed the images, Wendy asked if the region was in my lower left jaw as she was seeing increased heat patterns there. The thermal images successfully picked up a low level of infection I had around one molar in my lower left jaw!
3 Ways Thermal Imaging Can Help in Dentistry
We see 3 obvious ways thermal imaging can help in dentistry.
- Identifying if an existing root canal has chronic inflammation (infection) in the surrounding tissue
- Identifying if a cavitation (extraction site that has infection in the jaw bone below the gum tissue) exists
- Identifying if an abscess is beginning to develop
What about X-rays?
While x-rays do identify some infection, they are simply not designed to identify sites of chronic heat, inflammation, and infection as subtly as thermography. That’s what is so great about thermal imaging, it can pick up areas of chronic heat before the challenged site becomes a full blown abscess.
What’s the next step?
Tell your dentist you would like them to research and be trained in thermal imaging as a screening technology for chronic oral infections, or to network with a certified thermographer in your area.
Some dentists are aware of the benefit of thermal imaging in dentistry. While recently interviewing a rockstar dentist in New York City, she mentioned using thermal imaging in her practice.
Watch out for conflicting information…
According to Wendy Sellens, LAc, of Pink Images, not all thermographs are created equal. Some clinics will look to sell you on ‘whole body’ scans. Sellens shared with us, “The signals that come from all parts of the body don’t necessarily mean that there’s something wrong in that exact spot. There can be heat signals and referral patterns”.
However, in breast tissue and the head, there is a direct relationship with being able to screen for heat spots (sites of chronic inflammation).
So, you can definitely approach a thermography clinic that may not be used to taking images of someone’s head and ask them if they would be willing to take a few images to help you screen for possible chronic dental infection.
And if you’d like to see the use of thermal imaging in dentistry, here’s a short youtube video that combines thermal imaging and x-ray.
Where can you find a certified thermographer?
Here are a few resources to help you along your path. We haven’t done any research on either of these groups, so be sure to do your own due diligence. Both sites do have the ability to search for a certified thermographer in your area.
International Association of Certified Thermographers find a practitioner page
American Academy of Thermology search database
European Association of Thermology
As always, please share this article if you know a loved one who might benefit from hearing about using thermal imaging in screening for problem root canals. It literally could save lives in this case.
How about you? Would you use thermal imaging to screen for problems in your mouth if your dentist used it?
We have many dental offices who follow our blog, so letting the industry know that you would seek out a dental office who uses thermal imaging will help the dental profession incorporate this functional screening tool in their practice! Please comment below if you want to go to a dentist who uses thermal imaging.
Related Resources:
Understanding the Issues with Root Canals [article]
“I Have a Root Canal. What Are My Options?” [article]
“My Dentist Says I Need a Root Canal. What Are My Options?” [article]
Options if You Have a Missing Tooth [article]
3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Root Canals [article]
Thermal imaging cameras are cheaper now. FLIR and similar companies are now affordable. I borrowed a thermal cam from a house contractor friend, he uses it for heat and water leak detection, and clearly saw hot spots by my root canals. I monitored them this way before flying across the country to get an appraisal from an oral surgeon who specialized in root canal removal. Btw, several leading endodontists in DC and VA had said I was fine. When the root canal was removed, there was a sac of black goo attached to one of the roots. My face then scanned much differently with th camera. I liked being able to take a look on my own before and after.
where in Fresno, Ca or Clovis, ca will a dentist use thermal imaging? and what dental insurance would cover this?
It’s really cool to me to see how technology has increased to make medical applications a lot easier. It was especially cool to me to read about how thermal imaging can actually help identify root canals. I’m sure it would be nice for the patient too since they would be able to clearly see whether or not an infection exists.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer, while being very healthy. Instead of traditional treatment, I decided to go on a journey of discovery with an attitude of curiosity instead of fear. I found a thermographer and lo and behold the picture showed a problem with a tooth, much to my surprise as I don’t have any cavities. But I did have 4 teeth pulled in middle school for braces. One cavitation has been treated. But no improvement in the tumor. Another thermographic scan showed continuing infection. A second cavitation was found at the root of the tooth next to the first cavitation site. Tooth is scheduled for extraction next week.
I truly believe I have been poisoning myself for years contributing to my cancer.
I’m praying that by eliminating the infection, my body will be able to resolve the tumor.
Thermography was the tool that exposed the infection…and it may have saved my life.
Aloha Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Truly, sharing your story here could very easily help others along their path to wellness.
We are very curious to hear how your situation cleans up. Do you know if the dentist doing the cavitation surgery uses ozone gas in their practice? How do you know that the site will be completely cleaned up with the extraction? Do they plan on prescribing any homeopathic remedies to help drain any infection?
We’re confident that you got this. Your curiosity will surely lead you to just the right treatment.
Please give us an update as you get good news along your path!
I’d love to find a dentist that would use thermal imaging.
How about someone like me who had to have a tmj 9 hr operation and presently have many root canals. One of the root canals in my front tooth just made the whole tooth fall out. I presently have autoimmune disease and I am certain the root of my problem is in my gums. I found a biological dentist and hope he can help.
Hello
Do you have any recommendations in the uk? i have a root canal on my upper 6 left, which I have read also is the liver gall bladder meridian. I have breast cancer and my immune is low. i recently had a themal imaging and there is inflamation in the left side although I have no obvious symptons. I am deeply considering getting it removed but want to find someone who will do a proper job, please can you help me
thanks
Aloha Laura,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Here is a resource to help you find a qualified dentist to assist you. Using their search function, you can select whatever criteria you prefer. At the very least, I would select the ‘ozone/oxygen’ button as if you are going to have the potentially infected tooth removed, the dentist really should be using ozone gas to help cleanse the region before it heals.
https://iaomt.org/search/
There is hope. We have a professional friend, Dr Robert Gammal, who made a movie about the dangers of root canals. He shared with us that he has lost count of the number of women with breast cancer who had a root canal removed and the cancer went away.
I hope this helps!!
hi there- do you have any Australian thermographers on your list? i lloked up the International register and it appears it was the USA….
cheers KT
Aloha KT,
Thank you for reaching out to us. I don’t have any Australian thermographers on our list. However, I’m confident that there are plenty of people in Oz who practice thermography. In fact, the main person we interviewed about thermography a few years ago is a doctor from New Zealand, so I’m sure you can find good folks where you live.
Try googling ‘thermography Australia’ and I’m sure you’ll find some people. We hope that helps! 🙂
I think this is the most secure way
I’m thankful
In the book Whole Body Dentistry, Dr. Mark Breiner writes about root canals and when to have them removed. He is very conservative and does not think they all need to be removed. I learned a lot from this book, and I highly recommend it. The YouTube video using x-ray and thermography really did not give me a happy feeling. It seems like thermography just echoed the x-ray findings and the tooth will come out. I use thermography for breast health and have eliminated mammography from my healthcare routine. I was on bisphosphonates for many years, and now understand that they reduce blood flow to the bones in the jaw. I was told that I have several “failed” root canals and the dentists wanted to pull them and put in implants. I work with a naturopathic physician and we are working to heal my mouth naturally with herbs and supplements. Of course, I eat a totally clean organic diet with no gluten, grains, dairy, sugar, or alcohol. I oil pull twice a day and use the waterpik twice a day. I am also using OraWellness products that I love. I appreciate everything you all are doing for our health! Thank you!
Aloha Dr Marianne!
Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts here.
We very much appreciate Dr Breiner’s work! In fact, we interviewed him a few years ago for our Healthy Mouth World Summit. 🙂
I hear you. It’s a tricky situation to figure out the best path when one finds oneself with such an ‘end game’ situation as a failing root canal. Ultimately, it comes down to each of us doing what’s necessary to support optimal immune function.
It definitely sounds like you are heading in the right direction with your approach to your circumstances. Thanks for the love re our products! 🙂
Thank you and Aloha!
Could you tell me if you intend on removing your failed root canals? Or trying to repair the existing root canals through herbs and supplements? Thank you
Great article and helpful information. Thank you for sharing with us.
I am a Certified Thermographer through ACCT. We do many dental scans for patients and are fortunate to have several biological dentists in our area (South and Central Texas). You can find qualified thermographers in your area as well as lots of good information about Thermography on this web site: http://www.thermologyonline.org/
Aloha Cathy!
Thank you SO much for stopping by and offering your experience and this resource for our readers!
I have been using thermal imaging for the last 8 years. First before his
retairement with Dr. William Hobbins than with his certified student that is in
Rockford,Ill.Her name is Jan Crawford and phone # 815-378-9975. Just talked to her
and made app. for my facial,breast and other parts of my body. Also she told me about
the book and Wendy Sellens. She is now in Alaska preparing to get marry but still
taking patients in San Diego. Jan also told me that in our area is a young dentist who
is doing facial thermal imaging.I will know his name soon or you can ask her yourself.
Her website is http://www.thermographynow.com Thank you for that excellent information you
might safe my health. It never occur to me to ask Dr. Hobbins or Jan. Now I know why
I am your customer, you are wonderful, thank you again and of course I want all the
dentist to use facial thermal imaging.
Aloha Irena,
Wow, thank you SO much for such a caring, supportive comment here! Getting a comment like your every couple months really is all we need to continue to do our research and share with folks like you who find benefit from our work.
We feel so blessed that you appreciate our work!
Congratulations on finding a dentist in your area! We hope they match many of our qualities that we appreciate in a ‘dream dentist’.
Thank you again and Aloha!
Of course I want to go to a dentist who uses thermal imaging!!!
Any in Spain (Madrid)?
Hehe, I’m not sure Nieves. Please find out and let us know so others in Spain can be aware if so. 🙂
Thank you and Aloha!
Thank you Will and Susan. This is such a loving article that you wrote and I am sure that you have answered other people’s prayers with this information. Thank you.
Aloha Judy,
Thank you SO much for your kind comment here! I tell you, that there are caring people like you who are willing to take a few minutes of their busy life to send us a love note like you have is SO touching for us!
Again, thank you!
I would be interested in using a dentist in my area who uses thermal imaging.
Aloha Will,
That’s a great idea, I would definitely like to see thermography used as a diagnostic tool. I will ask my dentist about it at my next visit. If there is an infection identified at the base of a root, how can it be treated and healed? Especially in the case of a root canal, where presumably the source of infection is sheltered from the bloodstream. Is it feasible to inject ozone to the proper location? It would be interesting to hear updates from you and Kathy on outcomes and the role of thermography.
Aloha Jesse,
Great question and thinking! I agree, injecting ozone into the site makes a lot of sense to us. We can approach this from an ‘in the mouth’ angle with something like ozone as well as a ‘whole body immune response’ via diet, lifestyle ‘upcycling’. Optimally, both would be best to give the body the very best ability to get on top of the infection.
I hope that helps! 😉
Dear Orawellness,
As a holistic dentist for 18 years in Brisbane I have been searching for a simple test that goes beyond an x ray . The Thermography images I have seen have been very vague . Perhaps the field of view can now be more focused. Are you aware of the Orotox test? It is a quick painless test to assess if there are any metabolites of anaerobic bacteria exuding from a dead or root filled tooth. General gum health needs to be good so an accurate assessment can be made. I offer this test at Dental Wellness.
regards
Dr David Cowhig
Aloha Dr Cowhig,
Thank you SO much for stopping by and offering your expertise and curiosity for novel solutions to this challenging situation. We are not familiar with the Orotox test. I’m very curious to learn more about it. Are you an expert with this technology to where you could share with us about it in an interview???
This is literally how we have gotten to where we are, learning from helpful experts like you who are willing to share in their experience.
Again, thank you so much!
I would love it if I could get thermal imaging done by my dentist. It would build confidence that problems are being solved rather than patched up after they’ve gotten catastrophic.
Great information! Does anyone have any good suggestions about after you find inflammation, what options are there to get rid of the infection? I don’t like using antibiotics, but they have been necessary when a root canal abscessed and the tooth was pulled. However I’m not sure that the antibiotics cleared the infection completely. I also had many injections of ozone around that tooth prior to the abscess, trying to save the tooth. I have tried several different brands of colloidal silver with no success. My family and I have found that oil pulling really helps tooth issues, but it wasn’t enough for this particular situation.
I would like for my dentist to use this technique
Is thermal imaging the same thing as ultrasound?
No, thermal means (heat), so thermography is an image of the heat radiating off the body. Areas of inflammation and infection are hotter, as well as areas with a greater blood supply (perhaps to support a cancerous growth).
I would definitely use Thermography. I have 2 root canals and have done nothing about them because there doesn’t seem to be a great options, but I am worried if they’re a problem.
I am in the same boat as you. I would say to make certain that there is not metal in your crown at least. I’m thinking I will have mine surgically pulled one day professionally and maybe have a zirconia implant. I’m afraid of metal in my mouth and rejected implants so I’m looking into these non metal alternatives and I think zirconia or whatever it’s like a super heated metal or crystal I’m not too sure but it is no longer metal and it’s currently in practice I think. No matter the solution, it all sucks.
Have been a big believer in thermal imaging versus X-ray for breast screening ever since I first heard about it….not from a mainstream medical doctor but from a holistic doctor (who also had a medical degree). Fortunately, my current doctor is in agreement and agrees w/my concern about radiation. Thank you for this information as I have 2 root canals, 1 on either side of my back lower teeth. Had a very good dentist who did these and have gold crowns and never any problem, have had these since the 80s. Love your web site and information. Thanks again! Also love your Bass toothbrushes, best ever!!
I would definitely use the thermography option if it were available. Makes good sense to be able to pinpoint which root canal is troublesome rather than removing them all.
I would love to use a dentist who does thermal imaging.
The timing was perfect for this artticle to arrive in my inbox! I thank you very much for your diligent efforts to assist all in achieving the best dental health possible.