Watch Root Cause

Root Cause is a gripping documentary-style film that delves into the dangers of root canal therapy, one of the most commonly performed dental procedures in the world. The movie opens with a young Australian man, Ben Purser, suffering from debilitating health issues, including chronic fatigue, migraines, and depression. Despite seeking medical help, Purser's condition continued to worsen until he reached a critical point where he was unable to work or lead a normal life.

Desperate for answers, Purser began researching his symptoms and stumbled upon a theory linking root canals to chronic illness. He discovered that root canals are done by removing the infected pulp from a tooth and filling it with a sterilized material to prevent further infection. According to the theory, even after a root canal, bacteria can remain trapped in the tooth and seep into the bloodstream, leading to chronic health problems, including cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Purser's journey to uncover the truth about root canals became the basis for this documentary. The director, Frazer Bailey, uses interviews, expert opinions, and scientific evidence to paint a compelling narrative about the dangers of root canal therapy. Bailey weaves in historical facts, including the origin of root canals, which dates back to ancient civilizations. He cites studies and experiments that show how bacteria can remain in root canals and pose a threat to a person's overall health.

Alongside Purser's story, the movie introduces other individuals with similar experiences. Each of them has undergone a root canal and developed chronic illnesses that traditional medicine has failed to cure. One of them is Kerith Atkinson, a former WWE wrestler who developed breast cancer after a root canal. Atkinson's story is particularly moving, as she talks about how her doctors dismissed her concerns and failed to diagnose her cancer until it was at an advanced stage.

The film takes on a forensic approach towards uncovering the truth about root canals. Bailey consults with experts in the field, including dentists, microbiologists, and toxicologists, to get their insights into the issue. They provide a range of perspectives on the potential risks of root canals and the impact on overall health, discussing the potential spread of bacteria and the challenges with sterilization.

Through interviews and archival footage, the movie uncovers how the dental industry lobbied governments to promote root canal therapy as a safe and effective procedure. The film argues that there is a lack of transparency in the industry and calls for greater disclosure of the potential risks associated with the procedure.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Root Cause is compelling viewing. The movie is well-paced, and Bailey uses various storytelling techniques to keep the audience engaged throughout. The film's use of dramatizations and recreations of Purser's experience of going through his own diagnosis is particularly effective. Bailey also does an excellent job of explaining complex scientific concepts in a simple and concise manner, making the film accessible to a broad audience.

One of the film's strengths is its willingness to take a balanced approach to its subject matter. Bailey does not entirely dismiss root canal therapy as a viable solution for dental issues. Instead, he points out the potential risks, highlights inconsistencies in the research, and urges viewers to make informed decisions about their dental procedures.

Overall, Root Cause is a thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about root canal therapy and the potential impact on overall health. It is a must-see for anyone considering a root canal or who has undergone the procedure and is experiencing chronic health problems. The film invites the dental industry to take a more critical look at the evidence and consider alternatives that will protect patients' wellbeing.

Root Cause is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.