Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall well-being. It allows you to speak clearly, chew comfortably and smile with confidence. While root canals are a valuable dental procedure to save damaged teeth and stop advanced decay, preventing the need for them is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll share our top tips for avoiding a root canal, from steering clear of carbonated drinks to attending regular dental checkups.
When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or are showing signs of infection, a root canal may be needed. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Sensitivity: Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods/drinks.
- Discomfort: Pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
- Tooth Mobility: A loose tooth.
It’s important to note that these symptoms will often disappear on their own. However, that doesn’t mean the problem has been resolved.
The infection has likely spread through the root canal system, facilitating the need for root canal treatment. Early diagnosis is crucial to preventing further complications.
How is a Root Canal Performed?
Before treatment begins, your dentist may take X-rays of the affected tooth. This allows them to assess the extent of the damage.
Local anaesthesia is typically used during root canal treatment. However, if the tooth has lost its sensitivity due to severe infection, anaesthesia may not be necessary.
During the procedure, your dentist will gently assess the inner pulp by creating a small opening in the tooth’s crown. Any infected tissue will then be carefully removed.
They will then clean and shape the root canal using fine instruments. This step may take a few hours and could spread across multiple appointments, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of roots the tooth has.
A temporary filling will be placed to seal the tooth between visits.
During your follow-up appointment, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent one.
10 Tips to Avoid a Root Canal
Preventing root canal infections is crucial to maintaining good oral health. Below, we’ve compiled our top 10 tips to avoid a root canal, guaranteed to help you maintain a healthy smile.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
The best way to take care of your mouth is to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue, gums and inner cheeks.
2. Floss at Least Once a Day
When brushing your teeth, you’re likely to miss tight gaps and hard-to-reach areas. Flossing allows you to remove root-damaging bacteria, avoiding a build-up of plaque.
3. Avoid Hard, Sticky Foods
Enjoying hard foods or chewy sweets in moderation is fine, but be mindful that frequently snacking on them can increase your risk of chipped teeth and cavities.
4. Combat Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can cause significant nerve damage. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep, speak to your dentist. They can recommend solutions to protect your teeth, such as wearing a night guard.
5. Manage Existing Problems
If you’re currently experiencing symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay, it’s important to address them immediately to prevent further damage.
6. Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods/Beverages
The frequent consumption of sugary and acidic food and drinks can break down your tooth’s enamel, causing them to develop cavities. This combination can also cause bacteria to form in cavities, eating away further down the roots.
7. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
During your routine dental check-ups, your dentist will be able to ensure your teeth are well maintained. We recommend visiting our team once every six months unless recommended otherwise.
8. Listen to Your Body
Feeling pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If your teeth are feeling sensitive or you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
9. Don’t Bite Non-Food Items
Tearing open a parcel or opening a bottle using your teeth can negatively impact your oral health, leading to cracks and chips. These openings become breeding grounds for bacteria, potentially leading to bigger problems later down the road.
10. Know When it’s Time to Take Action
In some cases, despite your best efforts, a root canal may be the only option. In these circumstances, seeking treatment as early as possible is crucial.
However, this doesn’t have to be a recurring issue. By practising good oral hygiene going forward, you can significantly reduce your risk of needing further treatment.
Choose Lux Dental
At Lux Dental, we understand that root canals can be concerning. However, our team is dedicated to providing comfortable, pain-free root canal procedures. While avoiding a root canal is always ideal, sometimes treatment is the best, most effective way to save your tooth.
Think you need a root canal? Please get in touch with our team. Call us on 01509 621212 and speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable dental experts today who will be happy to advise on the best course of action.