The Root Canal Procedure
At the centre of every tooth, a soft area called the pulp contains the connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. This is the most vital element of a tooth, and the tooth’s enamel and dentin protect it.
A tooth’s pulp can become damaged due to infection and ultimately lead to the death of the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, we remove the pulp in a damaged tooth, clean out any residual tissues and seal or cap it with a filling or dental crown. This prevents the need for an extraction.
A root canal can alleviate the pain associated with infected or inflamed tooth pulp and allow you to continue to eat, smile and talk properly. Your chances of needing more significant or long-term tooth repair will also be reduced.
Reasons You Might Need A Root Canal
The pulp of a tooth can become infected for many reasons and may need to be removed. Here are some main reasons patients come to us needing Root Canal Therapy:
- Severe decay
- A faulty or damaged crown
- A tooth with repeated dental procedures
- Injury to a tooth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
Prevention Tips To Avoid A Root Canal
Despite the fact that your dentist will do everything they can to make sure you don't feel pain during your procedure, we haven't met many who truly enjoy the procedure. With proper at-home care and routine dental checkups, you may be able to prevent to need for this procedure. Here are some tips.
- 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 overly 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.
- You'll want to avoid foods that are high in acidity because they can wear down your tooth enamel, weakening your teeth.
- Wear night guards or sports guards to protect your teeth from damage.
Visiting your dentist routinely for checkups and professional cleanings is a critical component of maintaining your oral health. The dentist can also check for early indications of dental issues before they develop into larger issues. Any dental treatments can then be performed to prevent these problems from becoming worse or spreading to other teeth.