If you’ve experienced a damaged or infected tooth, chances are you’ve at least heard of the dental procedure known as a root canal. Although root canal treatment can provide relief for those suffering from tooth decay or tooth infection, it’s a relatively intense procedure that poses certain risks. In short, it is better to avoid a root canal if at all possible.
While we at Supreme Dentistry specialize in procedures such as
root canals, we prefer to actively work with patients to prevent their necessity in the first place. Our caring and highly skilled experts believe strongly in the power of preventive dental care. As a result, we’re determined to work closely with you to take the steps necessary to prevent a root canal. Find out how to prevent a root canal by calling one of our experienced dental professionals at
844.966.2333.
What is a Root Canal, and Why is it Done?
The purpose of root canal treatment is to save a natural tooth by removing bacteria from its infected root canal and preventing further tooth infection. Your dentist does this by carefully removing the infected pulp and nerve located inside the tooth. The inside of the tooth is then extensively cleaned and later sealed. During this treatment, an abscess can form due to the infection spreading throughout the tooth.
Likewise, making sure the natural tooth is saved helps the patient by fostering:
- More efficient chewing process
- A more normal biting force
- A natural appearance
- Increased protection of neighboring teeth
What Are the Negative Effects of Having a Root Canal?
While a root canal can prevent the loss of an already infected tooth, multiple complications can arise from the procedure.
Some of these include expanding the infection outside the infected area, a gradual gathering of unsavory materials such as cholesterol crystals, and an overactive immune response to the root canal itself.
4 Ways You Can Prevent a Root Canal
Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent a root canal from ever becoming necessary.
Make Oral Hygiene a Top Priority
It might sound overly simple, but maintaining good oral hygiene is an important first step in preventing the infection, leading to an eventual root canal. You can accomplish this by brushing your teeth at least two times a day and flossing as often as you can.
The sooner you can turn these actions into habits, the better.
Avoid Chewing Excessively Hard Foods
Cracks in teeth allow the bacteria that cause infections to creep into the root system. You’re much more likely to encounter these kinds of cracks if you chew on hard foods, candies, or ice.
Don’t Consume Overly Acidic or Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sodas and citrus juices increase your chance of infection by breaking down your tooth’s enamel and drenching the tooth in harmful sugar. Other foods and drinks to limit or avoid altogether include:
- Dried fruits
- Lollipops and other hard candies
- Overly sweetened coffee or tea
- Crunchy chips
The sugar excreted by these foods and drinks then serves as a feast for any bacteria that already exist in or near the tooth. The result will eventually be a cavity or significant tooth decay.
Schedule Dental Checkups and Cleanings at Regular Intervals
Prevention is key to dealing with many dental issues. By scheduling dental checkups and cleanings at regular intervals, you ensure that you and your dentist are on top of any potential problems.
Often a basic checkup will reveal something that needs to be addressed. When this happens, dentists can work with you to create a plan to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Let Supreme Dentistry Work with You to Actively Prevent a Root Canal
Root canal treatment is often necessary for patients whose teeth have become infected. While it’s always better to preserve a natural tooth, there are enough potential negatives associated with the procedure that it’s altogether better to prevent a root canal in the first place.
At Supreme Dentistry, we fully support your desire to proactively care for your teeth – before a major procedure such as a root canal even becomes necessary. That’s why we encourage you to schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning as soon as possible.
Using the most advanced technology in the dental industry, we provide all the preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental care services you need. From general dental care checkups to cosmetic procedures such as implants, Invisalign, and teeth whitening, our empathetic experts serve countless patients.
To learn more about our services and to discover how we can help you avoid ever needing a root canal, reach out to us using our online form or call
844.966.2333 today.
