How to Prevent Another Root Canal

While you can’t always avoid the reasons why you’ll need another root canal, there are preventive steps you can take to avoid an encore performance. Let’s look at how you can reduce your risks of further problems.

If you’ve already had a root canal, you’ll know that the process itself is as pain-controlled as other dental procedures like ordinary fillings. Contemporary dental anesthetics assure your comfort while a dentist completes root canal therapy.

Where the pain and distress usually arises is in the reasons why you need a root canal in the first place. That usually comes down to major damage to a tooth or an infection to its soft tissue.

While you can’t always avoid the reasons why you’ll need a root canal, there are preventive steps you can take to avoid an encore performance with another tooth. Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS and her team specialize in root canal therapy, and we’ve prepared an overview of the process as well as suggestions on how to prevent another root canal in the future.

Reasons you need a root canal

The need for root canal therapy arises when the hollow, pulp-filled space within the root of a tooth becomes compromised. This space houses and protects the pulpy mass formed by nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

Tooth decay, cracks, or fracture can damage this delicate tissue. When the canal loses its structural integrity, pulp may become infected, inflamed, or damaged, generating sensitivity and pain.

Dr. Mickel relieves and repairs this issue by removing pulp from the root canal. After cleaning and disinfecting the empty canal, Dr. Mickel fills the space with a biologically inert material to prevent future infection before closing the space as she would a conventional cavity.

Preventing root canals

Your teeth perform best when they’re clean and cared for. This preventive care guards your mouth against tooth decay and oral infections. Brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and scheduling regular dental cleanings are all that many people need to do to keep their teeth protected. However, you can do more:

Watch your diet

Sweets and sugary drinks create a heavy bacterial load in your mouth that can make plaque and tartar control more difficult. These bacteria can trigger decay. Swap out processed sugars for water, fruits, and vegetables whenever possible.

Stay hydrated

Switching sodas for water does more than just reduce sugar. Water is an important part of healthy saliva production, which is essential for your oral health. Saliva protects your teeth and dilutes harmful bacteria.

Drinking water not only helps with saliva production, it can help keep your mouth feeling fresh by further diluting harmful bacteria.

Clean your tongue

Plaque clings on your tongue too, and when you don’t remove it properly, your tongue becomes a bacteria habitat too. It’s easy to keep your tongue clean. Simply add a gentle brushing step during your regular daily care.

Protective equipment

If you engage in contact sports or even if you’re a nighttime teeth grinder, you can add a layer of protection in the form of a custom mouthguard. Ask us about how we can create a suitable mouthguard for you.

Avoiding future root canal procedures doesn’t require much change in your lifestyle. Contact Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, to book your next visit by phone or online now.