The documentary Root Cause, released in 2019, focused on the safety and long-term effects of root canal treatments. The film followed the personal health journey of its filmmaker, who concluded that his past root canal procedures were the underlying cause of his chronic fatigue and other systemic ailments. This conclusion, presented as fact, immediately generated intense controversy among dental and medical professionals worldwide. The documentary’s claims regarding the alleged dangers of a common dental procedure led to public questions and a significant response from health organizations. Netflix’s distribution amplified the film’s reach, transforming a fringe theory into a widely discussed public health concern.
Central Claims of the Documentary
The core message of Root Cause centered on the theory of “focal infection,” which has been largely dismissed by modern science. The documentary alleged that a root canal procedure, which removes the infected pulp inside a tooth, cannot completely sterilize the tooth’s internal structure. It claimed that bacteria become trapped within the thousands of microscopic channels, or dentinal tubules, that branch off the main root canal.
These trapped bacteria, the film proposed, mutate and leak highly toxic byproducts into the bloodstream. The documentary linked these toxins to a wide array of serious, systemic, and chronic diseases. Specific ailments cited included heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and various forms of cancer. The film even made alarming statistical assertions, such as the claim that a high percentage of women with breast cancer had a root canal performed on the same side of the body as the tumor.
The documentary suggested that the only safe and effective treatment for a compromised tooth requiring endodontic therapy is extraction. It drew heavily on the historical research of Dr. Weston A. Price from the 1920s, which purported to link root canal-treated teeth and systemic illness. The film argued that the procedure, commonly used to save a natural tooth, actually creates a reservoir of silent infection that compromises long-term health.
Official Scientific and Dental Response
Major professional bodies, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), issued strong rejections of the documentary’s claims. These organizations stressed that the film contained significant misinformation unsupported by current scientific evidence. They pointed out that the Root Cause narrative was based on the long-discredited focal infection theory, first proposed in the early 20th century.
The dental community highlighted that modern endodontic techniques, including advanced sterilization and sealing methods, are highly effective at eliminating infection. Decades of epidemiological research have failed to establish a scientific link between root canal treatment and the development of systemic diseases. Untreated dental infections are known to contribute to systemic inflammation, making root canal therapy a procedure that removes infection rather than causes it.
Professional organizations specifically addressed the film’s reliance on the work of Weston Price, noting that his research methods were fundamentally flawed and lacked modern scientific controls. Price’s findings were largely discredited by the 1930s. A comprehensive review by the Journal of the American Dental Association in 1951 solidified the safety and efficacy of root canal treatment, and the consensus remains that root canals are safe and a preferred treatment for saving a natural tooth.
Public Health Warnings and Platform Removal
The release of Root Cause spurred immediate action from health organizations concerned about public harm. The ADA, AAE, and the American Association of Dental Research (AADR) sent a joint private letter to Netflix and other streaming platforms hosting the film. This warning emphasized that continuing to distribute the documentary could harm the public by spreading long-disproven claims about a standard medical procedure.
The concern was that the film’s fear-based narrative would lead patients to avoid necessary treatment or opt for unnecessary tooth extractions, resulting in complications and negatively affecting oral health. Following this professional outcry, Netflix removed Root Cause from its streaming service in February 2019, less than a month after its initial release. Although Netflix did not issue an official public statement, the removal was widely interpreted as a response to the ethical and public health concerns raised by the scientific community regarding medical misinformation.
Interpreting Controversial Health Information
The controversy surrounding Root Cause serves as a reminder of the need for critical evaluation when consuming health-related media. Viewers should be cautious of sources that present a single, dramatic cause for complex, multi-factor diseases. Health decisions should always be guided by evidence-based medicine, supported by extensive peer-reviewed studies and the consensus of established medical and dental organizations.
When encountering information that contradicts widely accepted medical practices, it is helpful to check the credentials of the individuals presented and look for endorsement from reputable health institutions. Documentaries and films are forms of entertainment and persuasive media, not substitutes for consulting a licensed professional. Patients should always discuss concerns about any medical procedure with their dentist or physician to ensure their treatment plan is safe and appropriate.