How To Prevent A Potential Root Canal

Each year, root canals will be performed around 60 million times by dentists. It makes it a very common procedure that you may experience yourself one day. The cost and pain associated with root canals cause people to dread the procedure, which is a reason why you may want to avoid it in any way that you are able to. Try these ways to catch a potential root canal early and prevent the need for one.

Have Sensitive Teeth Looked At

A sign that there is a rapidly decaying tooth in your mouth is when it feels very sensitive when exposed to cold and hot temperatures. For example, if you're eating ice cream, does a single tooth stick out as feeling more sensitive to it than others? It may not feel like pain, but you'll experience an increased sensation with the tooth. It's a signal that your body is trying to tell you that your tooth has started to form decay, which can potentially expose the root.

Detecting tooth decay before it gets worse can save you from a root canal. Your dentist will install a filling or crown to protect your tooth by covering the area where decay formed. With the decay gone and the crown installed, it should help the tooth avoid the need for a root canal.

Regularly Floss

Brushing your teeth every single day is an easy habit for most people, but flossing often gets forgotten about. Flossing is actually a way to prevent the need for root canals. Root canals do not have to form from cavities in the pits of your teeth. Anywhere that decay can form makes the tooth a target for a root canal, including the sides that are touching the other teeth. The decay on the side of a tooth is not always apparent, and it may require an X-ray to see it.

Make sure to floss at the end of the day to get rid of food particles that may have been missed when brushing.

Early Detection of Cavities

Having regularly scheduled dental appointments is one of the best ways to prevent a root canals from forming. If you have been avoiding the dentist because of the cost, think of how much you'll save by preventing additional dental damage.

You should also know what to look for when it come to cavities. A cavity will have a dark color in the small crevices of your tooth. If you notice damage like this, have it looked at by a dentist immediately.

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