An effective way to treat an infected tooth could be with a root canal procedure. However, at Klondyke Dental Centre we strongly believe it's best to avoid them. Today our dentists in Whitehorse discuss ways you can do just that.
What is a root canal?
In the centre of every tooth, is a soft spot called the pulp. It contains the tooth's nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It's the most important part of the tooth which is why the tooth's enamel and dentin work so hard to protect it.
The tooth’s pulp can be damaged by an infection which could cause the death of the whole tooth.
In a root canal procedure, your dentist removes the pulp of a damaged tooth, cleaning out any residual tissues and sealing or capping it with a dental crown or filling. This helps prevent the tooth from having to be extracted.
A root canal can help lower the pain associated with the infected or inflamed tooth pulp and can allow you to keep talking, smiling, and eating properly. Your chances of requiring more significant or long-term tooth repair could also be reduced.
Why you may need a root canal procedure
The pulp of a tooth can become infected for a range of reasons and might need to be removed. Here are a few of the main reasons why patients come to our office needing Root Canal Therapy:
- Serious decay
- Faulty crown
- A tooth with repeated dental procedures
- Injury to a tooth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
How to help prevent the need for root canals
Though your dentist will make every effort to help make sure you don't feel pain after or during a root canal we haven't met anyone who enjoys having them done. 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. No matter how tired or busy you may be, don't forget this step.
- 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. These can easily cause teeth to crack and leave your tooth vulnerable to bacteria, which can enter the root system and cause damage from within.
- 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.
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and hygiene cleanings is important when you are trying to maintain your oral health. The dentist can also check for early signs of dental issues before they develop into larger problems. Any dental treatments can then be performed to prevent these problems from becoming worse or spreading to other teeth.