How to Avoid Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment. You may have heard the term many times before but never been sure what it means or what the treatment involves. You're actually not alone in that, but that's why we're here. We'd like to look at root canal treatment and give you some pointers on how to avoid it. By practicing good dental hygiene and excellent preventative care, you can avoid visiting with a Boston cosmetic dentist for a root canal.
What is a root canal?
Also known as endodontic treatment, a root canal involves the removal of dental pulp from within the tooth, the hollowing out of the tooth, and filling the tooth with an inert material. We can easily perform such procedures when needed at our dental practice in Boston.
Why are root canals necessary?
Within in each tooth is dental pulp, soft tissues that connect to the nerve center of each tooth. When your teeth are severely decayed or damaged, the pulp within the tooth can be infected by the bacteria that causes tooth decay. This leads to major discomfort and sensitivity of the tooth, and can also affect other adjacent structures of the mouth. The root canal will essentially reduce any pain and discomfort and address the infection of the dental pulp in the process.
Below are a few preventative measures to consider to avoid the need for a root canal.
What You Can Do - Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Rather than undergo a Boston restorative dentistry treatment, be sure to brush your teeth every day at least twice a day. Ideally, you'll want to brush after every meal. By brushing your teeth regularly, you remove plaque from your teeth and halt the progress of tooth decay.
Be sure to brush your teeth using a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. The small head of the toothbrush will help you access the hard to reach places of your mouth; the soft bristles will help prevent irritation or damage to the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth.
What You Can Do - Floss Every Night
Even if you're brushing twice a day, that is no guarantee that you're getting rid of all of the plaque that may be built up on your teeth. To get the hard to reach plaque build up between your teeth, it's important to floss every night. By brushing and flossing regularly, you will help ensure a healthy smile.
Visit Our Practice Twice a Year for Regular Checkups
To help catch and address dental problems as soon as possible, be sure to visit our practice twice a year for regular dental maintenance. By undergoing general dental care--regular cleanings, diagnostics, and so on--your smile will be its healthiest and will look its best for years to come.
Learn More About Your Dental Care Options
If you would like to learn more about various treatments for tooth decay and gum disease as well as all of your options for effective preventative care, be sure to contact our Boston cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and discussing these matters in greater detail.