Root canal therapy is a potentially tooth-saving treatment that can help a patient maintain a strong, healthy, and attractive smile even after severe dental damage or infection. It’s great that root canal therapy is available to help patients with existing dental damage, but it’s still the best course of action to do everything you can to avoid needing root canal treatment in the first place! That’s why our Toluca Lake root canal dentists have put together this explanation of different conditions that can lead to root canal therapy. We hope this will help you feel informed, and capable of maintaining your healthy smile!
Root canal therapy is necessary when the inner core of the tooth—which includes the root of the tooth—is so damaged or infected that is beyond repair. When a tooth is damaged enough to require root canal therapy, you will probably be experiencing significant pain around the tooth and gum line.
In order to avoid needing root canal therapy, you want to protect your teeth. This means…
Cleaning your teeth thoroughly and maintaining regular dental cleanings
Dental cavities, if left untreated, will erode each layer of the tooth and eventually damage the dental pulp and root. Cleaning your teeth as directed will help minimize plaque/tartar build-up, and lower your likelihood of developing a cavity. Professional dental cleanings not only clean your teeth, but they also give your dentist a chance to treat any emerging dental problems before they become too serious (for example, treating a cavity when it requires a simple filling rather than a root canal).
Protecting your teeth from dental trauma
Remember that teeth can also become damaged due to an accident or dental trauma. Wear the recommended protective sports gear to protect your smile while you’re playing sports. Also, avoid using your teeth to open things, as this can crack or chip your teeth. And if you notice that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth, seek treatment from your dentist right away—over time this can weaken your teeth and lead to fracture.
If you’d like to learn more about how preventative dentistry can help you, give our Toluca Lake dentist office a call!