How to Avoid Needing a Root Canal
When you get an infection within a tooth and in its roots, you will need a root canal. This procedure requires drilling a hole into the tooth and removing the infected tissue. It is a common procedure, though many people find it uncomfortable. During the recovery period, you will need to be careful about what you eat, and will need to return to the dentist for a permanent crown. While in some cases, you can't prevent a root canal, you might be able to reduce your risk for needing one.
Have Good Oral Hygiene
One of the best ways to reduce the necessity for a root canal is by having excellent oral hygiene. In many cases, decay starts building up on a tooth due to the extra bacteria and plaque that isn't removed. This begins with your oral hygiene through brushing and flossing your teeth. If you don't bush twice a day or you never floss, that bacteria builds up to lead to plaque, which can then cause a deep cavity and infection within the tooth. If this goes untreated, you may eventually need a root canal instead of just a regular filling. Make sure you are brushing and flossing twice a day to ensure you are keeping your teeth as clean as possible.
See Your Dentist Regularly
In addition to the cleaning you do at home, you also need a professional cleaning. Make sure you don't put off your routine dental appointments. During these appointments, the hygienist is going to give you a thorough cleaning, removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gumline. Even if you have exceptional oral hygiene at home, some plaque needs to be removed by a professional. These dental appointments also let the dentist look for early warning signs that you need attention paid to certain teeth. If you have a cavity forming, they will be able to fill it before it worsens and requires a root canal.
Stop Ignoring Tooth Pain
Between checkups with your dentist, you might experience tooth pain. If you choose to ignore it assuming it isn't serious, you might be increasing the risk of needing a root canal. That infection might be so bad by the time you get around to seeing your dentist that your only options left are a root canal or extracting the tooth. Just by calling the dentist when you experience pain can make other treatments available.
For more information, talk to a company like Absolute Smiles.
Share
