Posted on August 26, 2019
A routine appointment at the dentist can be nerve-wracking enough for many dental patients. So when a more intensive procedure is required, such as a root canal, some people really start to worry.
The common procedure, performed when infected or injured tissue (pulp) is removed from a tooth’s crown and roots, is also referred to as endodontic therapy. Although typically a root canal is caused when decay and bacteria enter a tooth and create an abscess, it can also be a result of trauma. Left untreated, the damage becomes very painful.
Root canals can be costly (even if you have insurance) and can create short-term sensitivity and discomfort. However, in many situations, they are often the only option to help save or restore a tooth.
The best way to avoid getting a root canal in the first place? Take some preventative measures! Here are five of them:
#1) Complete Proper Oral Hygiene - That means Flossing and Brushing your Teeth
Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day does more than just prevent cavities and bad breath: it can help avoid future root canals, too. Keeping your teeth and gums as clean as possible can help eliminate root-damaging bacteria and tooth decay.
#2) Avoid Mouth Trauma - Buckle Up and Wear your Mouthguard
Do you clench or grind at night? Wearing a protective mouth guard can protect your teeth from fractures and exposure of a tooth’s roots.
The same goes for if you’re an athlete. Root canals are often performed on teeth that have suffered trauma. Prevent that from happening in contact sports by wearing a mouthguard.
When you’re in the car, always buckle-up. If you’re in an accident, you risk severe injury to teeth that contact headrests or dashboards.
#3) Be Mindful of What You Eat - Hard Candy can Crack Teeth
Eating hard foods such as carrots, apples, almonds, and hard candy can create cracks in your teeth and invite bacteria into your root system. If you already have weak teeth, avoiding hard foods is especially important.
Acidic drinks and foods break down enamel and coat the teeth with sugar, creating a haven for bacteria. If you can’t avoid these types of foods and drinks entirely, brush your teeth immediately after enjoying the treat.
#4) Regularly Visit Your Dentist
A regular dental checkup and cleaning appointment can help identify a cracked tooth early. If you notice any tooth discomfort in-between treatments, call your dentist. Treating cavities at their onset creates less tooth destruction and minimizes trauma to the pump – and helps avoid the need for a tooth extraction and root canal therapy.
Following the preventative measures above can help you avoid needing a future root canal treatment. But if you ever do require one, our dental team will walk you through what to expect so that there is nothing to fear. Recent advancements in root canal therapy have increased its success rate and have made the treatment less painful and with shorter recovery time.
For more information on root canal treatments, contact our office today.