Root canals are a great way to treat infected teeth, however it's alway a good idea to avoid them all together. Our Edmonton dentists strongly believe prevention is the best line of defence and today they discuss how oral hygiene can assist you in avoiding a root canal.
What are root canals?
There is a soft area called the pulp in the center of every tooth which, holds the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues making it the most important part of tooth. The tooth’s enamel and dentin guard and protect this element of your teeth.
Infection can damage the pulp, and it can eventually kill the whole tooth.
In a root canal procedure, our team takes the pulp out of the damaged tooth and cleans away residual tissues, we finish the procedure by using a dental crown or filling to seal/cap it. By having a root canal you prevent needing an extraction.
Root canal's are able to lower the chances of you needing any long term or significant repairs, it also eases any pain that is occurring due to inflamed or infected pulp. Allowing you to talk, smile and eat properly.
Why would I need a root canal procedure?
Your tooth's pulp can get infected for many reasons, needing to be removed. Below are some of the main reasons patients come to our dental office requiring Root Canal Therapy:
- Injury to a tooth
- Faulty crown
- Serious decay
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- A tooth with repeated dental procedures
How to prevent the need of root canals?
If you take proper care of your teeth at home between dental appointments, you can prevent the need for a root canal procedure.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily, or as prescribed by your dentist
- 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.
- 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.