A root canal procedure can save your natural teeth and prevent the need to replace them with dental implants or dentures. Even so, it’s important to understand what a root canal does and how it works before making this kind of treatment plan with your dentist. Keep reading to learn more about root canals, including whether you need one and how it differs from other procedures you may hear about at the dentist’s office.
Know your tooth anatomy
The part of your tooth most likely to require a root canal is called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and lymphatic cells that support your teeth’s innermost tissues. However, sometimes these tissues can become inflamed or infected (in which case you need a root canal). While healthy dental tissues appear pink in color, diseased tissue typically has an off-white appearance or turns black from infection.
Discover more about root canals
After your dentist has located a problematic tooth, he or she will then determine whether a root canal is needed. Root canals have become routine procedures, making them much less invasive than they once were. While most people now see them as just another dental procedure, there are still some reasons why you might want to avoid a root canal if possible. Read on for more information about how they work. If you’re interested in finding out how root canals work, contact us today! We’ll be happy to help.
Preventative measures
Most teeth affected by dental caries do not need to be removed. In fact, research has shown that most teeth can be saved by preventative measures alone. For example, flossing daily helps to remove plaque buildup on teeth, which otherwise hardens into tartar; tartar buildup can trigger bacteria growth in between your teeth—leading to gum disease and decay. Removing your plaque daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush also prevents additional staining of your pearly whites.
Things to consider when getting a root canal
A procedure known as a root canal may be necessary when a tooth has become infected with bacteria. The goal of a root canal is to kill off infection, remove dying tissue and then seal up an area that can no longer hold living cells. Read on for some tips about how best to prepare for your root canal. It’s also helpful to understand how root canals work before you go in for treatment.
Tips for better oral hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, limiting snacking between meals, drinking plenty of water, and scheduling regular dental visits—are all things you’ve probably heard about. But what about tips on healthy eating or alternative cures for toothaches? We asked several dentists from around Texas for their best tips. Read on to find out what they had to say! Then let us know your own favorite ways to take care of your pearly whites in our comments section below.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A question that plagues most people who aren’t familiar with root canals—and thus, visit their dentist asking about them—is why do I need a root canal? In addition to alleviating tooth pain, a procedure that involves removing the infected pulp and repairing or replacing damaged nerve tissue (or both), you may also need a root canal for one of these reasons. As for the best tips for the root canals, here are some quick ones. First, eat healthy foods; second, practice good oral hygiene; third, brush your teeth twice daily; fourth, floss regularly; fifth (and perhaps most important), schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months or so.
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