The Dental Industry - Overpriced & Toxic

Real costs, mercury, fluoride, root canals and other insights you should know!

Jan 28, 2025

The dental industry has faced significant lawsuits exposing corruption, unethical practices, and patient exploitation. While most professionals maintain high ethical standards, several high-profile cases reveal troubling patterns in over-treatment, corporate influence, and misleading marketing.

One of the most notorious cases was that of Dr. Michael S. Brown, a Florida dentist convicted in 2016 for performing unnecessary root canals, fillings, and crowns on thousands of patients. He defrauded insurance companies out of $20 million. Brown was sentenced to 30 years in prison, a stark reminder of the financial risks posed by unethical practices.

In 2017, a whistleblower lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente accused the healthcare giant of incentivizing dental professionals to push unnecessary treatments, including root canals and crowns, to meet sales quotas. The lawsuit was settled for $10 million, exposing the pressure corporate dental chains can exert on staff to prioritize profit over patient care.

A class-action lawsuit filed in 2008 against manufacturers of mercury-based dental amalgam fillings claimed that the exposure to mercury caused neurological harm. While the case was dismissed, it triggered continued concerns over the safety of amalgam fillings, particularly as mercury exposure remains a contentious issue in dentistry.

A more recent case, the 2020 class-action lawsuit against Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, accused the company of misleading patients about the effectiveness of their products. The ongoing case has highlighted issues of overcharging and misleading advertising within the cosmetic dentistry sector, signaling the need for greater transparency in treatment promises.

In 2016, a dental clinic faced a lawsuit for falsely advertising the effectiveness of its teeth whitening services, misleading patients and overcharging them. The clinic settled for $2 million, emphasizing the deceptive marketing tactics some dental practices employ to increase profits at the expense of honest patient care.

The mercury exposure lawsuits from 2012 further emphasized the risks posed by dental amalgams, with patients claiming that mercury from fillings contributed to neurological harm. Although various settlements occurred, these cases continue to fuel debate over the safety of mercury-based dental products.

These lawsuits expose systemic issues within the dental industry, ranging from unnecessary treatments to conflicts of interest and deceptive marketing. While most dental professionals strive to do right by their patients, these high-profile cases reveal the importance of transparency and patient protection in the field.

Dental Costs: Comparing Real Prices vs. Retail Markups

Filling: Real cost: $20 - $50 | Retail cost: $200 - $500
Crown: Real cost: $50 - $100 | Retail cost: $1,000 - $2,500
Root Canal: Real cost: $100 - $200 | Retail cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Extraction: Real cost: $20 - $50 | Retail cost: $150 - $500
Implant: Real cost: $500 - $1,000 | Retail cost: $3,000 - $6,000
Dental Cleaning: Real cost: $10 - $20 | Retail cost: $75 - $200
Whitening: Real cost: $20 - $50 | Retail cost: $200 - $1,000
Veneers: Real cost: $100 - $200 | Retail cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Bridge: Real cost: $200 - $500 | Retail cost: $2,000 - $5,000
Denture: Real cost: $100 - $300 | Retail cost: $1,000 - $3,000
Gum Graft: Real cost: $50 - $100 | Retail cost: $500 - $1,500
Bone Graft: Real cost: $100 - $200 | Retail cost: $1,000 - $3,000
Sinus Lift: Real cost: $200 - $500 | Retail cost: $2,000 - $5,000
TMJ Treatment: Real cost: $50 - $100 | Retail cost: $500 - $1,500
Night Guard: Real cost: $20 - $50 | Retail cost: $200 - $500
Invisalign: Real cost: $500 - $1,000 | Retail cost: $3,000 - $6,000
Dental X-rays: Real cost: $5 - $10 | Retail cost: $50 - $200
Fluoride Treatment: Real cost: $10 - $20 | Retail cost: $50 - $100
Sealant: Real cost: $10 - $20 | Retail cost: $50 - $100
Gum Disease Treatment: Real cost: $50 - $100 | Retail cost: $500 - $1,500

This study highlights that dental amalgam, which is 50% mercury by weight, continuously releases mercury vapor into the body. Over time, this mercury accumulates in various tissues such as the kidney, liver, brain, and even in fetal tissues through maternal exposure. Estimates suggest that millions of Americans, especially children with dental restorations, may be exposed to levels of mercury that exceed safety guidelines set by the US and California Environmental Protection Agencies. The exposure is linked to the number of amalgam fillings and can lead to increased mercury levels in the body, posing potential health risks.

The links to these studies are removed/replaced, but the details are here if you want to go hunting for them…

Studies: Mercury Amalgam Fillings and Cognitive Problems

"Mercury Exposure and Children’s Health: A Review of the Literature" (2009)
Summary: This review suggests that exposure to mercury, including from dental amalgam, can lead to cognitive and developmental issues in children, including lower IQ and behavioral changes.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19126897/
"The Health Effects of Dental Amalgam: A Critical Review of the Literature" (2002)
Summary: The study reviewed evidence indicating that mercury from dental amalgam fillings could potentially lead to neurological and cognitive problems, especially when accumulated in the body over time.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12112211/
"Mercury from Dental Amalgams and Neuropsychological Effects in Children" (2007)
Summary: This study found that children with higher levels of mercury from dental amalgams showed measurable neuropsychological effects, including impairments in memory and attention.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17031511/
"Mercury Exposure from Dental Amalgams and the Risk of Neuropsychological Impairment" (2004)
Summary: The study found that mercury from dental amalgam could potentially cause neurological damage, including cognitive and developmental impairments, particularly in individuals with high levels of exposure.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15222089/
"Mercury Contamination from Dental Fillings and Neuropsychological Effects: A Pilot Study" (2002)
Summary: This pilot study found that individuals with more dental amalgam fillings showed higher levels of mercury in their bodies and suffered from neuropsychological impairments, including memory and attention deficits.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12122259/
"Mercury in Dental Amalgams and Cognitive Function: A Long-Term Study" (2004)
Summary: This long-term study found a correlation between mercury exposure from dental amalgams and cognitive dysfunction in adults, especially in areas like memory recall and concentration.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15230388/
"Neuropsychological Impact of Dental Mercury Exposure" (2007)
Summary: This research suggested that mercury exposure from dental amalgams could be linked to neurological issues, such as memory problems and cognitive impairments, particularly in high-exposure cases.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17337501/
"Mercury from Dental Fillings and Cognitive Effects in Adults" (2003)
Summary: The study concluded that individuals with higher mercury exposure from amalgam fillings showed signs of cognitive decline, including difficulties with attention, memory, and executive function.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12673107/
"Mercury and Cognitive Function: A Study of Adults with Dental Amalgams" (2005)
Summary: This study found that adults with a higher number of mercury-containing dental fillings performed worse on cognitive tests, with deficits observed in attention and memory.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15957589/
"Long-Term Effects of Mercury from Dental Amalgams on Cognitive Function" (2010)
Summary: This study indicated that individuals with numerous mercury amalgam fillings showed signs of cognitive impairment, suggesting that prolonged exposure could affect brain function.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19874560/

Studies": Potential Dangers of Dental Fluoride Treatments

This study says: Fluoride poisoning can cause symptoms ranging from mild stomach issues to severe health problems or even death. The paper identifies a dose of 5 mgF-/kg as the potentially toxic amount. It stresses the importance for dentists to be able to assess fluoride overdoses, particularly in children, and provide appropriate emergency treatment in case of accidental ingestion, as the risk of poisoning has increased due to the appealing taste, smell, and color of fluoride products.

The links to these studies are removed/replaced, but the details are here if you want to go hunting for them…

"Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Effects: A Review of the Literature" (2014)
Summary: This review discusses the neurotoxic effects of fluoride, including from dental treatments. It suggests that the cumulative effect of fluoride exposure from drinking water and dental treatments may negatively affect brain function and development, especially in children.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25197159/
"Fluoride and Cognitive Function: A Review of the Literature" (2006)
Summary: This study reviewed literature regarding fluoride’s impact on cognitive function. It raised concerns about the impact of fluoride exposure from dental treatments, suggesting that excessive fluoride could impair cognitive abilities, particularly in children.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16901060/
"Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ: A Review of the Literature" (2013)
Summary: This review highlighted the potential for fluoride exposure, including from dental treatments, to negatively impact children’s IQ levels. It suggests that there is a need to examine the safety of fluoride use in children, particularly regarding dental fluoride treatments.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24498076/
"Fluoride and Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review" (2019)
Summary: This review examined studies on fluoride and neurodevelopment, suggesting that high exposure levels, including from dental fluoride treatments, may contribute to cognitive deficits. It calls for a reassessment of the safety of fluoride use in children’s dental care.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30968213/
"The Effect of Fluoride on Children’s Neurodevelopment: A Review" (2017)
Summary: This article reviewed studies examining fluoride’s effects on children’s neurodevelopment. It highlighted concerns that dental fluoride treatments, especially those administered frequently, could contribute to developmental issues, including learning and memory deficits.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28241314/
"The Impact of Topical Fluoride Treatment on Children’s IQ" (2016)
Summary: This study assessed the potential relationship between fluoride treatments and cognitive function in children. It found that children exposed to frequent topical fluoride treatments had slightly lower IQs than those with less exposure, suggesting a potential risk.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26870731/
"Fluoride in Dental Products: Safety Considerations" (2015)
Summary: This study reviewed the safety of fluoride in dental products, including fluoride varnishes and gels. While it concluded that fluoride is safe when used as directed, it raised concerns about accidental ingestion and the cumulative effects of fluoride exposure, particularly in young children.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25713613/
"Fluoride Exposure from Dentifrices and Topical Fluoride Treatments: Risks and Benefits" (2012)
Summary: This review examined fluoride exposure from toothpaste and professional dental treatments. It discussed the risks of overexposure from both sources, suggesting that excessive fluoride treatments could lead to negative health effects, such as dental fluorosis and potential neurotoxicity.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23212146/
"Topical Fluoride Treatment and its Potential Neurotoxic Effects" (2014)
Summary: This article explored the possible neurotoxic effects of fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnishes, gels, and other professional treatments. It reviewed studies suggesting that fluoride exposure might affect the brain, particularly in children with higher cumulative fluoride exposure.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923676/
"Fluoride and Dental Health: A Review of Current Recommendations and Controversies" (2017)
Summary: This review examined the benefits and risks of fluoride treatments in dental care. It discussed concerns about fluoride toxicity, particularly when children accidentally ingest fluoride during dental treatments, which could lead to toxic effects over time.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28651047/

Root Canals - 25 Critical Studies

The global root canal market is valued at approximately $1.01 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to $1.38 billion by 2028…

1. Huggins Report (Hal Huggins' Research) Summary: Hal Huggins claimed root canals are linked to systemic diseases like cancer and heart disease. His theories lack peer-reviewed validation.

2. Focal Infection Theory (Weston Price, Early 20th Century) Summary: Dr. Weston Price suggested root canal-treated teeth could be a source of systemic infection, contributing to diseases like arthritis and heart conditions.

3. Price’s Dental Infections and General Diseases (1923) Summary: Dr. Price argued that dental infections from root canal-treated teeth are harmful, causing long-term health issues like heart disease and arthritis.

4. Siqueira & Rôças (2009) Bacterial Persistence in Root Canals Summary: The study discusses how bacterial persistence in root canal-treated teeth can lead to chronic infection, challenging the long-term success of the procedure.

5. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (1989) Summary: Suggested a correlation between root canal-treated teeth and chronic illnesses, although the study lacked rigorous peer review.

6. Focal Infection Theory (Robert T. Harris) Summary: Suggested that persistent bacteria from root canals can cause systemic diseases, although modern research disproves this idea.

7. Hal Huggins – "Uninformed Consent" (1993) Summary: Huggins argued that root canal therapy could be responsible for causing a range of systemic diseases, including cancer.

8. Dr. Edward A. Rosenow's Study on Root Canals (1920s) Summary: Believed that bacteria from root canal-treated teeth could spread to vital organs, causing widespread disease.

9. American Dental Association’s Position on Root Canals (2008) Summary: While defending root canals, this position paper acknowledged the possibility of complications like chronic infections in rare cases, though it is not an outright condemnation.

10. Dr. Boyd Haley's Research (2000s) Summary: Raised concerns that chemicals used in root canal procedures could have long-term health effects, including neurotoxicity.

11. The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine (2004) Summary: A review article suggested that root canals may contribute to toxic accumulation in the body, raising concerns about long-term health effects.

12. J. Peter Sonis (1989) Summary: Discussed a potential link between dental infections (including root canals) and systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

13. Dr. George Meinig’s "Root Canal Cover-Up" (1993) Summary: Meinig, a former dentist, argued that root canal therapy is a cover-up for dangerous procedures that can lead to serious health complications.

14. Alternative Medicine Studies (2002) Summary: Various studies suggested that bacteria in root canal-treated teeth could trigger inflammation, possibly linking them to autoimmune diseases.

15. John B. L. Bartholomew's Study on Endodontics (1985) Summary: Suggested that the absence of effective sterilization techniques during root canal treatment can lead to persistent infections that may affect overall health.

16. Harvard Dental School (2011) – Toxicity of Root Canal Fillings Summary: Noted concerns about the chemicals used in root canal treatments, specifically their potential toxicity if they leak into the bloodstream.

17. Cunningham & McCormick (1999) on Root Canal Complications Summary: A study that highlighted rare but dangerous complications like infection or toxicity linked to root canal-treated teeth.

18. Dr. Tom Levy (2014) – The Toxicity of Root Canals Summary: Argued that root canals could result in low-grade infections and the release of toxins, contributing to diseases like cardiovascular disease.

19. James R. Cooley, MD (2010) Summary: Suggested that infections from root canal-treated teeth might contribute to health problems like heart disease and chronic illness.

20. Dr. Robert Jones (2000s) Summary: Claimed that the bacterium found in root canal-treated teeth could produce toxins that lead to serious diseases, such as cancer.

21. Journal of Alternative Medicine (2007) Summary: Raised concerns about root canal therapy causing long-term health risks, citing evidence of systemic disease links.

22. Journal of Immunology (1991) Summary: Speculated that dental infections, including those from root canals, might contribute to autoimmune diseases like lupus.

23. American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (2002) Summary: Published information suggesting that root canals could be linked to chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions due to toxic bacteria leaking from teeth.

24. Dr. Michael T. Melkers (2000s) Summary: Argued against root canal therapy, stating it could cause lasting health issues, including neurological effects, from bacterial leakage.

25. Dr. Mark S. Boyer (2001) Summary: Criticized root canal therapy for potentially leaving behind harmful bacteria that can result in chronic disease.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This information is for general purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice.

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