These days, a root canal procedure is simple, quick, and routine. Still, many people are worried about them. Instead, they should worry about what will happen when a root canal is not done! These are needed when a tooth is infected. If not treated properly, this can lead to a lot of pain and even require a tooth extraction.
That’s why you need to call us today at 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield) if you have tooth pain. A root canal will remove the infection and save the tooth. But what’s better is to not need this procedure in the first place. Here’s how you can avoid needing it.
Avoiding Root Canals
By far, the best thing you can do is to get regular dental appointments. Your teeth are covered with hard enamel to prevent infection. Harmful bacteria erodes enamel, which is where cavities come from. When the cavity is ignored for too long, the bacteria breach the tooth and reach the dental pulp. This is where all the blood vessels and nerve endings are found, so not only will this be very painful, it will slowly destroy the tooth.
Regular dental exams complete with digital X-rays can spot cavities before they infect the tooth. That’s why twice-yearly visits to Davenport Dental Group can help prevent needing a root canal procedure.
In addition, you need to take care of your smile. Brush twice each day and floss every night. If you drink something acidic (from soda to juice), rinse with plain water so the acid doesn’t weaken your enamel. And please do not use your teeth as tools! Tearing open packages or even holding something in your teeth can lead to a nasty accident that lets bacteria get inside a tooth.
You should also wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike. One slip and you could crack a tooth, creating a way for those bacteria to get inside and infect the dental pulp.
Know These Symptoms
How do you know if you already need this restorative dentistry treatment? Here are some symptoms you should look for:
- A tooth that is darker or differently colored than the ones next to it.
- Pain when you chew with certain teeth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods, especially one that goes away when the food is gone.
- A pimple-like mark on the gums around one tooth.
- Tender or swollen gums in one spot.
- A toothache that comes and goes.
If you have any of these signs, you need to contact Davenport Dental Group as soon as possible. If there is an infection in one of your teeth, it will not go away on its own. It will continue to grow, causing pain along the way, until the tooth is too unhealthy and cannot be saved. Yes, a root canal procedure will actually end pain!
Call us today at 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield) to get a thorough dental exam and see what you can to do avoid needing a root canal.