Dental anxiety affects millions of people. Even people who are comfortable with routine care have issues with when they hear two words: root canal.

The procedure is nowhere near as bad as many people are worried that it will, especially with our sedation dentistry. However, we also know that it’s better to avoid the issues that could leave you needing a root canal procedure to restore your smile.

Today, we want to discuss the steps you can take to avoid a root canal, including making regular visits to Davenport Dental Group in Laredo, TX. We have two locations. To make an appointment for preventive care, call us at 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield).

Prioritize Prevention

If you would like to avoid needing a root canal treatment, the best thing to do is to take care of your oral health. That means being proactive about preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

The good news is that you already know what to do:

To be a little more specific, you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized squeeze of toothpaste with fluoride as you scrub your teeth on all sides.

It’s equally important for you to clean between your teeth. This is how you remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from between your teeth and gums. You have the option of using dental floss, flossers, or a water flosser to do this. The main thing is to use an interdental cleaning tool daily.

Last but not least, you still need regular dental checkups. No one brushes and flosses perfectly every time. By visiting us, our dental professionals can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

This also gives us an opportunity to catch both of those issues in the early stages.

Take Action Early

If you are developing a cavity or a gum infection, it’s best to do something about it as soon as possible.

Many times, you can remove decay and repair your tooth before bacteria causes a tooth infection. Depending on the size of the cavity, you can fix your tooth with either a tooth filling or a dental crown. Our fillings match the color of your natural teeth. Our crowns also look like real teeth and have the durability to last for several years.

Gum disease often leads to tooth infections, too, which is why it’s equally important to treat this problem as soon as possible. Our periodontal treatments can restore your gum health and remove plaque and tartar that has formed on the roots of your teeth.

Stay On Top Of Your Oral Health

To avoid a root canal, your best bet is to set aside five minutes (total) each day for brushing and flossing your teeth. Schedule regular visits to Davenport Dental Group a few times each year to get professional cleanings and exams. And if you do have an issue, take action right away to treat it.

To make a preventive appointment or to treat a problem, plan a visit with us. You can contact us online or call 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield).