How to Avoid Needing a Root Canal?

By reputation, root canals are perhaps the most dreaded of dental treatments. And while anesthetics remove pain from the procedure, most of us hope we can avoid the need for this trip to the dentist. 

The good news is, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of needing a root canal. Not every risk factor is under your control, however, so if the unexpected occurs, our providers at Gables Sedation Dentistry — located in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami — can give you the care you need. 

We’re root canal specialists, and like you, we’d prefer if you never needed to undergo the process, so we’ve compiled some tips to help you preserve your existing smile. Here’s what you need to know. 

Why would I need a root canal? 

Once your adult teeth come in, they seem solid and permanent. However, this is only partly true. Your teeth are actually pliant, living tissue, and in the center of each tooth is a hollow space filled with nerves and blood vessels. This tissue is called the pulp, and the space it lives in is called the root canal.

If anything compromises this space, this can allow bacteria to invade and infect the pulp. If this happens, a root canal procedure is usually required. With a root canal procedure, your provider drills a small hole in the tooth, removes the pulp, fills the hollow chamber with rubbery material, and places a filling in the hole that was drilled. Then, the tooth is usually topped with a crown.

How can I avoid needing a root canal? 

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to avoid needing a root canal is to get regular preventive care with our team at Gables Sedation Dentistry. We can identify potential trouble signs before they lead to the need for a root canal. 

Other factors that can reduce your risk of needing a root canal include the following: 

Take care of your teeth

Brushing and flossing daily can help limit the amount of bacteria in your mouth, slow the decay process, and prevent plaque and tartar from building up. 

Be careful with hard and sticky foods

Be careful when eating popcorn, cherries, and hard or sticky candy. You could damage your teeth if you bite down too hard on popcorn kernels, cherry pits, or the candies.

Limit processed sugars in your diet

Consuming foods or drinks with high levels of processed sugars can escalate the rate of tooth decay. Acidic juices and sweet sodas are the biggest culprits. 

Wear a mouthguard

If you engage in activities that could cause trauma to your mouth, such as contact sports, wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth. Mouthguards reduce the risk for tooth damage because they spread the force of impact.

If you want to learn more about things you can do to reduce your risk of needing a root canal, or if you need a checkup or treatment for a dental issue, call 305-518-1822 or book an appointment online with Gables Sedation Dentistry today.