Your oral health is part of your overall health. Your teeth let you chew food thoroughly, speak clearly, and maintain jawbone health. If you are like other people, you may not want to undergo a root canal procedure. However, this procedure may be inevitable it means saving your tooth. If you are wondering if you need a root canal treatment, visit a dentist in Hollywood, FL to get a thorough evaluation. The dentist will consider your dental situation and walk you through the process.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a small tunnel filled with pulp located inside a tooth. The pulp is made up of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Your root canal connects the pulp to your jaw’s nerves and blood vessels. The canal keeps the teeth connected to the body.
Tooth decay or a tooth break can get the pulp infected or inflamed. Since the canal is full of nerves, it can be quite painful and sensitive. During treatment, your dentist gets rid of the damaged pulp to clear away the infection.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
Damaged and infected pulp is irreparable; however, it can be replaced. If you undergo a root canal procedure, a small hole in the impacted tooth will be drilled, so your dentist gets to the location of the pulp. Then, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and flush out the canals using a special solution to eliminate remaining debris or infection. Next, a biocompatible material is used to fill the canal and pulp chamber to save your tooth’s structure.
Avoiding a Root Canal Treatment
To prevent the need to undergo a root canal procedure, practice good oral hygiene.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth. To keep your oral health in top shape and avoid a root canal treatment, brush your teeth twice every day for two minutes each time. Also, floss your teeth once a day to keep your teeth clean and free of food particles. This practice also helps you avoid tooth decay, infection, and inflammation. Ensure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles and keep an eye on your teeth and gums.
- Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Bacteria thrive on sugar in your mouth. Sugary foods and drinks let them flourish. Sadly, bacteria are the culprit to tooth decay, which can result in root canal therapy. Pick fresh fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks if possible. Should you indulge in anything sweet, consume lots of water and brush your teeth.
- Stay hydrated. Bacteria love dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in the health of your teeth. To produce enough saliva, consume a sufficient amount of water every day. You can wash away harmful bacteria, protecting your teeth against them.
- Give your tongue some love. If mouth bacteria cling to your teeth and develop a plaque. Also, plaque can form on the tongue. Thus, gently scrub your tongue during your brushing and flossing routine to get rid of the plaque and bacteria.
- Think about your dental needs. Do you have a special oral health condition like weakened teeth? If so, follow the instructions of your dentist about caring for your teeth. For instance, you must avoid consuming some food items like nuts, popcorn, carrots, and other crunchy foods to keep your teeth in top shape. Your dentist knows oral health well and you can avoid a root canal treatment if you follow their recommendations.
- Come in for regular checkups. Get your teeth cleaned every six months to clear plaque and tartar buildup and prevent dental cavities. Your dentist will examine your teeth for issues during an examination. Without routine dental checkups, you may have oral health problems that can go unnoticed.