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When you have an infected tooth your dentist may want to perform a root canal but avoiding one is always best. Here, our Canyon Dental Centre dentists offer tips on how to avoid needing a root canal.
About Root Canals
Each tooth has a central part called the pulp which is important because it contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The enamel and dentin of a tooth protect the pulp. But if the pulp gets infected, the tooth can die.
To save the tooth, a root canal procedure is done. This involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the area, and filling or capping it with a dental crown. Doing this can prevent the need to remove the whole tooth.
Root canals can help stop tooth pain caused by infected or inflamed pulp. It also helps you eat, smile, and talk normally. And, you're less likely to need major or long-lasting tooth repairs.
Why Would I Need A Root Canal Procedure?
The pulp of a tooth can become infected for many reasons and may need to be removed. Here are some main reasons patients come to us needing Root Canal Therapy:
- Serious decay
- Faulty crown
- A tooth with repeated dental procedures
- Injury to a tooth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
Preventing A Root Canal
When you get a root canal, your dentist will try their best to make sure you don't feel any pain. But, let's face it, no one really enjoys getting them. The good news is that you can avoid needing a root canal by taking good care of your teeth at home and going to regular dental check-ups.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily, or as prescribed by your dentist. No matter how tired or busy you may be, don't forget this step.
- Visit your dentist for preventive care every six months, or as prescribed by your dentist.
- Avoid particularly crunchy or hard foods and candies, especially if you already have weak teeth or dental restorations. These can easily cause teeth to crack and leave your tooth vulnerable to bacteria, which can enter the root system and cause damage from within.
- Do not chew ice! This can fracture or crack teeth and allow bacteria to access and infect the pulp.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks; they cause wear on your enamel and expose the teeth to sugar.
- Wear night guards or sports guards to protect your teeth from damage.
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and hygiene cleanings is critical to maintaining your oral health. The dentist can also check for early indications of dental issues before they develop into larger issues. Any dental treatments can then be performed to prevent these problems from becoming worse or spreading to other teeth.