Root canal therapy in York is an excellent way to treat and save an infected tooth from extraction. However, at Caledonia Crosstown Dental, we believe that prevention is better than cure. In this blog post, we explain the best ways to avoid root canal therapy near you.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
At the center of each of your teeth, there is a soft area referred to as the pulp that holds the connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. This is an essential part of your tooth and is protected by the tooth’s dentin and enamel. When this pulp becomes damaged, it leads to infection, and ultimately the requirement for extraction.
A root canal involves a dentist near you removing the pulp from the damaged tooth to save it from extraction. After removing the pulp, they will fill the area with a special dental material and cover it with a dental crown to provide it with extra protection and strength. This will allow you to continue to eat, speak and smile with ease, and reduce your chances of significant oral health issues down the line.
Reasons One May Require Root Canal Therapy
There are many reasons that a tooth’s pulp may become infected and need to be removed. Here are some of the main reasons why a dentist in Caledonia would need to perform root canal therapy:
- A faulty dental crown
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- An injured tooth
- A severely decayed tooth
A root canal is only performed as a last resort before tooth extraction to save your tooth. It is always in your best interest to keep your natural teeth in your mouth for as long as possible, and root canal therapy makes this possible.
How to Prevent Needing Root Canal Treatment?
If you have had a root canal and want to avoid the need for further treatment, or if you don’t want to deal with ever having a root canal in the first place, use the following tips to guide you. If you take the right preventative measures and take proper care of your teeth, then you can prevent the need for root canal therapy.
- Visit a dentist at least once every six months for professional dental cleanings and checkups as a preventive measure.
- Do not chew on ice, as this can easily crack or fracture your teeth, leading to damaged pulp.
- Wear a nightguard or sports mouthguard to protect your teeth from unnecessary damage.
- Avoid crunchy and hard foods, especially if you already have dental restorations.
- Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine of brushing morning and night and flossing before bed.
- If you notice any tooth pain, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Remember that while root canal therapy may seem daunting, it is ultimately performed to save your teeth and maintain your oral health. Using the measures mentioned in this article can lower your chances of needing a root canal but are not one hundred percent foolproof. If you ever experience any tooth pain, sensitivity, or sudden discoloration, be sure to get in touch with our team at Caledonia Crosstown Dental for a checkup as soon as possible. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is happy to assist you and provide you with high-quality, comprehensive dental care.