A root canal is a dental procedure for a tooth with severe decay, damage, or infection. If there is significant damage to the tooth and dental fillings will no longer be an efficient treatment, a root canal can help save it to ultimately prevent possible tooth extraction.
While root canals offer a high success rate and can preserve your tooth for many years to come, the best way to keep a healthy smile is to entirely prevent the need for it. When it comes to dental health, preventive dentistry should not be overlooked as it maintains your beautiful smile and avoids unnecessary and expensive dental treatments.
Read along to know more about root canals and what you can do to prevent it.
What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?
A root canal may be recommended by your dentist if you have:
Severe tooth decay – A large tooth decay or deep cavity may expose the tooth pulp. This can no longer be treated by a simple tooth filling. The diseased pulp must be removed and the tooth needs a full crown restoration to improve its form and function.
Cracked or damaged teeth – An extensive crack on the tooth can reach up to the nerve to cause inflammation and infection. This is best treated with a root canal to prevent the crack from spreading and to preserve the tooth.
Dental infections – Swollen and tender gums, severe pain, and a pimple on the gum (gumboil) are some signs of a tooth infection. A root canal must be done to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection.
How Root Canals Restore Damaged Teeth?
The process of getting a root canal involves three major steps:
- Cleaning and disinfecting the canals using files that go into the canal to reach the bacteria. This will remove the infection to save the tooth.
- Sealing the tooth and medicating it will prevent bacteria from re-entering the canals and causing future reinfection.
- Placing a crown or filling to restore the tooth to good health. If there is not enough tooth structure left to support daily functions, such as chewing and biting, your dentist will recommend getting a dental crown. This will provide full protection, structural reinforcement, and a natural appearance to the tooth.
The goal of root canal treatment is to remove existing bacteria, prevent reinfection, and allow the tooth to look and function as new.
Key Steps to Avoid a Root Canal
A root canal is the last resort for a severely decayed or infected tooth. It involves a meticulous and extensive process and can come with costly fees. Fortunately, with these tips, you can reduce the chances of needing a root canal altogether:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Brush and floss at least twice a day to avoid plaque and debris build-up. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride-rich toothpaste.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups – Dental visits should be scheduled every 6 months, or as recommended by your dentist. Routine check-ups and teeth cleaning help your dentist spot early signs of dental problems to prevent them from getting worse.
- Maintain a Tooth-Friendly Diet – Eat food that promotes healthy teeth and gums to prevent the risk of dental issues that may require a root canal. This includes a diet that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin D, and fiber. Also, limit sugary and acidic foods.
- Protect Your Teeth From Physical Damage – If you experience teeth grinding or are engaged in physical sports, invest in a mouth guard to protect your teeth from accidental cracks or chips.
- Address Dental Issues Promptly – A small tooth decay can be treated with simple fillings. Left untreated, you may need to get a root canal. So, as soon as you spot any signs of possible decay, visit your dentist for early treatment.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Root Canals
Understanding the following common mistakes that may lead to a root canal can help you avoid the need for invasive treatment, ultimately preserving your natural tooth:
Neglecting routine dental visits – The common thinking is you only need to visit the dentist when you feel symptoms, such as a toothache. But ideally, routine visits should be done twice a year. Failure to do so may cause delay of and more extensive treatment.
Leaving tooth decay untreated – Not all tooth decay can be treated with dental filling. If a small decay is left to progress, bacteria will spread and fillings will eventually no longer suffice. Instead, a root canal may be more ideal.
Overlooking the signs and symptoms – As soon as you feel the signs of decay or damage such as a visible tooth decay or cavity, pain, or prolonged sensitivity, visit your dentist for prompt treatment.
Poor diet and lifestyle habits – Smoking, consuming too much sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and teeth grinding are some risk factors that increase your chances of needing a root canal.
The Role of Preventative Dental Treatments
To avoid dental diseases that may require root canal treatment, Chinook Dental Group advocates preventive dentistry. These are dental procedures done before dental issues become serious.
Dental sealants protect molars from decay
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied on the grooves of the biting surfaces of the molars. These areas are prone to decay because they trap food and bacteria quite easily. Sealants provide a long-lasting protection, especially for kids and teens with developing teeth.
Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel
After routine check-up and cleaning, your dentist will paint fluoride on the tooth enamel. Fluoride makes the teeth more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay. This is a quick and painless procedure that is especially beneficial to children or those with higher risk of decay.
Prompt cavity fillings avoid extensive decay
Small cavities should immediately be treated using fillings to prevent the decay from getting worse. The earlier the treatment, the more tooth structure can be preserved for improved long-term oral health.
Conclusion
When it comes to your dental health, smile, and overall well being, preventive dentistry is the key. Proactive care that comes with prevention from dental diseases avoids the need for treatments such as root canal. This will keep your smile healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
If you want to learn more about how you can maintain good oral health, our team at Chinook Dental Care is here to help. We offer expert, personalized care tailored to your specific needs and goals. Call us today to schedule your consultation!