Is a Root Canal Necessary?

Tooth pain and other complications from an advanced infection are no laughing matter. The infection must be eradicated and the bone in the jaw must be protected. You could need a root canal if you’re experiencing any of the following issues.

• Constant, Relentless Toothaches – A tooth infection is probably the source of a persistent toothache. If a root canal is necessary to alleviate your discomfort, we’ll be able to tell.
• Abscesses – When bacteria infect the pulp at the tooth’s root, a painful abscess forms. Pulp death and inflammation cause this condition. The abscess can be drained and the infection stopped via a root canal.
• Pus Around the Teeth –  A dental infection can cause swelling around the teeth. If you experience persistent swelling around a tooth, you may have a severe infection that can be treated with a root canal.
• Highly Sensitive Root Canal – Infections are one potential source of tooth sensitivity. A root canal may be the solution if you have high sensitivity in addition to other problems.

Does It Hurt to Have a Root Canal Done?

A root canal really does help with pain relief. Because dental technology was so much less developed in the past compared to the present, a root canal has a notoriously bad reputation for being highly unpleasant. Today’s discomfort is the result of the infection that existed before we started. Most patients who undergo root canal therapy report feeling relaxed under the influence of local anesthetic. However, there may be some sensitivity for a day or two later. This is especially the case if you were in a lot of pain prior to the surgery. Discomfort is often manageable with over-the-counter medication.

Tips to Avoid Getting a Root Canal:

If you want to avoid a trip to the dentist for a root canal, the first thing on the list will be to brush your teeth.

Brush Your Teeth – It should come as no surprise that one of the most important things you can do to avoid needing a root canal is to brush your teeth twice a day. Tooth decay is a leading cause of infected tooth pulp. It’s important to brush twice a day, morning and night.

Flossing – Flossing at least once a day is just as important as cleaning your teeth. This will aid in preventing the growth of bacteria in places where a toothbrush can’t reach. It’s a great way to maintain minty fresh breath.

Avoid Hard Candies and Other Hard Foods – The “trauma” often associated with the need for a root canal can come from extreme physical force like a blow or something similar. However, cracking teeth while eating hard foods is much more prevalent. A broken tooth can be difficult to clean and will require dental attention to prevent the need for a root canal in the future.

If you know you have weak teeth, you should be more cautious about what you eat and how much you chew. Hard candies can shatter even healthy teeth under the improper conditions, but specific fruits and vegetables can crack the teeth of those with thinner enamel.

Do Not Chew Ice – Whether it’s a nervous habit, a replacement on a diet, or you just like the way it tastes, cracking your tooth on ice is a very real possibility. If that happens, germs will eventually find a way to colonize the resulting space and wreak havoc on your oral health.

Stop Grinding Teeth – Find a strategy to stop grinding your teeth at night if you do it when you’re stressed. Wearing a mouthguard may be helpful if you find that you cannot stop teeth grinding, especially if it is subconscious or happens while you sleep.

Use Mouthguards During Sports – Teeth may be broken by accidental impacts in highly competitive contact sports. If you play a sport where you might get hit in the face, even accidently, a mouthguard is a must.

Limit Acid Based Foods – Fruit juice has certain health benefits, but it’s important to remember that many brands include a lot of acid. Acid does slowly but surely eat away at your teeth, even if you don’t feel it happening. Acids in sodas can also erode tooth enamel. The high sugar content of these beverages can promote bacterial growth.

Professional Dental Cleanings – Another piece of advice from the field of preventative dentistry is to schedule regular visits to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned and checked for signs of deterioration. Additionally, your dentist will evaluate the overall condition of your teeth and identify any issues that, if left untreated, could worsen over time.

To the extent that you are experiencing pain, pay attention to it. This is of paramount significance when considering your teeth. If you’re experiencing tooth or gum pain, you should see a dentist.