At Hometown Family Dental Centers, our expert team of dentists is here to provide top-quality care, including root canals when necessary.
A root canal repairs and saves a tooth that’s become infected and no longer viable. Instead of extracting the tooth, we remove the inner pulp and dying or dead nerve from the tooth’s canals, sealing them up so nothing can get into them. We then place a dental crown to restore your smile.
However, practicing good oral hygiene can help you avoid needing a root canal. Here’s what you can do.
If you say “root canal” to most people, they shudder in horror at the imagined pain and trauma the procedure inflicts. However, a root canal procedure is neither painful nor traumatic.
What is painful is the problems that lead to the need for a root canal procedure. Root canals address teeth where the inner pulp and/or nerve has become seriously decayed or infected, and they can’t be saved. The only viable option is to remove the inner tooth material and seal up the remaining tooth structure so it doesn’t become reinfected.
We completely numb the area before starting work. While you might feel some pressure as they go through the procedure, once you receive the anesthetic, you’re out of pain for good. Without the nerve, the tooth can’t send pain signals to your brain.
There are several symptoms that indicate your inner tooth is compromised and you might need a root canal:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call Hometown Family Dental Centers for an expert evaluation.
You’ve probably heard all of these before, but they bear repeating.
Since tooth decay is one of the primary reasons tooth pulp becomes infected, it shouldn’t be a surprise that brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to prevent the need for a root canal. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and after meals if possible.
Floss at least once a day to prevent bacteria from building up in the areas your toothbrush can’t reach, like between your teeth. Make sure to scrub both sides of the gap.
The trauma that causes the need for a root canal doesn’t have to be from a physical blow. It can also come from biting down on a hard candy or other hard food. Once the tooth becomes cracked, it’s easy for bacteria to enter the pulp and infect it. If you know you have weak teeth, be especially mindful of eating hard foods, even raw veggies.
Ice is a hard food, and even if you enjoy the sensation of cracking the ice, it’s only a matter of time until you crack a tooth.
Bruxism is the grinding or gnashing of your teeth, often occurring when you’re asleep, to release stress. Unfortunately, it can lead to tooth damage and may require root canal treatment.
We may recommend a custom-made nightguard to prevent the upper and lower teeth from contacting.
Mouthguards are important when you’re playing sports, especially contact sports, where you can expect to be hit and pushed during the game. Always wear a mouthguard that fits over your teeth and protects them from blows.
Fruit juice and soda contain a lot of acidic compounds, which slowly eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Many also contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Try to drink more water and low-sugar beverages instead.
Semiannual dental check-ups serve two purposes. First, they help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, which directly leads to tooth decay. Second, if you have an emerging problem, we can detect it in its early stages, making it easier and less painful to address.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs that you may need a root canal treatment, Hometown Family Dental Centers is here to help. Call any of our offices — we have locations in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North Carolina — or request an appointment online.
