Christina Hall, a beloved HGTV personality, has announced plans for oral surgery after receiving unsettling news regarding a long-standing infection possibly residing in her gums since an injury she sustained at the age of 16.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on April 10, 2024, the “Christina on the Coast” star candidly shared her health update, labeling it “a quick PSA I think is important to share.”
Christina Hall Says Oral Infection Has Plagued Her for Years
In her Instagram Story, featuring white text against a black backdrop, the 40-year-old Hall disclosed how a dental injury from her teenage years has led to persistent infections in adulthood.
“At 16, I underwent an emergency root canal due to a tooth injury,” Hall revealed. “In 2020, my dentist observed signs of infection in the previous root canal via x-ray. Consequently, I underwent a redo.”
“However, last week brought a concerning development,” she continued. “The infection resurfaced… indicating that I’ve been carrying an asymptomatic infection for years and years!! Quite unsettling.”
“I’ll be addressing it next week through explant,” Hall assured her audience, “but allowing an infection to persist for such a long duration can potentially lead to various health complications. Without the presence of a root, detecting a problem becomes challenging.”
The American Association of Endodontists notes that while it’s rare, root canals can indeed become reinfected. In such cases, patients often undergo a “complex” endodontic retreatment procedure aimed at removing the infection and preserving the tooth, as outlined by the AAE.
However, in some scenarios, extraction of the tooth may be necessary, with replacement options like dental implants or bridges, as advised by the Cleveland Clinic.
Hall wrapped up her update by urging, “Given that our phones tend to pick up on our conversations, I’m encountering various issues associated with old root canals. If you’ve ever had one, it’s wise to check yours as soon as possible.”
The AAE clarifies that there’s no evidence supporting widely circulated misconceptions about infected root canals causing systemic illnesses such as cancer. Nevertheless, the Mayo Clinic highlights that untreated dental infections have the potential to spread to areas like the jaw, head, and neck.
Symptoms of a root canal infection, also known as endodontic infection, can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers even after the stimuli is removed.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth, usually turning it a darker shade.
- Pus drainage from the gums or around the affected tooth.
- A foul taste in the mouth or bad breath.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek prompt dental evaluation and treatment. Ignoring a root canal infection can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and potentially to other parts of the body.
Treatment for a root canal infection typically involves the following steps:
- Diagnosis: Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection.
- Root Canal Therapy: Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection, especially if it has spread beyond the tooth.
- Restoration: After the root canal therapy is completed, the tooth will need to be restored with a dental filling or crown to protect it and restore its function and appearance.
- Follow-Up: You may need to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing of the tooth and ensure that the infection has been fully eradicated.
In severe cases where the infection is extensive or the tooth cannot be saved, extraction of the tooth may be necessary. However, whenever possible, root canal therapy is preferred as it allows you to retain your natural tooth and avoid the need for more extensive dental procedures like implants or bridges.
Christina Hall Has Faced a Myriad of Health Issues in Recent Years
Hall has been candid about her health struggles in the past. In 2022, she revealed that she was undergoing intensive treatment for elevated levels of lead and mercury discovered in her system, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. She attributed this exposure to her extensive exploration of rundown properties, particularly during her tenure on the HGTV show “Flip or Flop.”
In early 2023, Hall divulged the results of comprehensive testing conducted by her doctor at Lee Regenerative Medical Institute, an alternative medicine facility in Huntington Beach, California.
“On Instagram, she shared, “I underwent an expensive and thorough panel test covering various molds, metals, and bacteria types. The highest toxicity level detected was an abnormal amount of gut bacteria, resembling SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), along with parasites.”
Hall chose to pursue alternative medicine for her treatment regimen, expressing, “I’m currently undergoing a cleanse and parasite cleanse, aware that symptoms may worsen before improving. It’s challenging, but I remain hopeful for a positive outcome.”
In April 2023, Hall expressed concerns about her appearance, noting she felt “really skinny” amidst her battle with digestive issues and the side effects of an autoimmune disorder. She embarked on weight training in an effort to increase muscle mass during this period.
