4 Habits That Will Help You Avoid a Root Canal!

At Matthew J. Cavendish, DDS, PLLC in Phoenix, AZ, root canals aren’t anything to fear at all. We can offer effective, safe numbing methods and options in sedation to help you relax during your virtually painless treatment.

But we know you’d like to avoid a root canal if you could. We want the same for you!

That’s why we’re giving you some ways to do that in today’s blog!

Why You Might Need a Root Canal at Some Point

Probably the most feared dental procedure of all humankind, a root canal is actually a lifesaver in the world of restorative dentistry.
That’s because it’s a procedure that cleans potentially dangerous bacterial infection out from the inside of your tooth so it doesn’t spread to other teeth, or worse, the rest of your body.

Often, people who need a root canal will report a severe toothache, but it’s not necessarily a guarantee that you’ll feel anything or know that you have an oral infection that needs a root canal.

Basically, any opening in your enamel, such as from a cavity, or even from microscopic damage caused by acid erosion, is an avenue for bad bacteria to get inside your teeth and infect all the delicate soft tissues that live there.

Root canals help patients get relief from tooth pain by removing inflamed, irritated, or infected dental pulp, sanitizing the area, and capping the affected tooth with a crown to reinforce and protect it in the future.

This procedure has a notorious reputation for being painful, but you don’t have to worry about that at Matthew J. Cavendish! With our technology, training, and sedation options, your treatment will be a relaxing, positive experience and your smile will be preserved!

4 Habits That Will Help You Avoid a Root Canal

Time and again, our root canal patients report a pain-free experience thanks to our advanced numbing techniques and sedation options.
Yet, we know that avoiding the need for a root canal is ideal.

So here are our four habits that can help you avoid a root canal treatment in the future!

Habit 1 – Maintain Routine Dental Cleanings & Exams

You know you’re supposed to brush and floss every day, and you’re probably already doing that.

But the problem is that too many people don’t realize that it isn’t enough on its own because only a dentist and hygienist can remove hardened plaque from your teeth.

Without cleaning tartar buildup off of your teeth routinely, about twice a year, the early stages of gum disease will begin. The scariest part about that is it could take years before you see any of the signs or symptoms.

We have the tools and the training to spot gum disease and other serious oral health threats early and treat them immediately so you don’t suffer the harmful effects of bacterial infections.

Habit 2 – Get Dental Treatment So Problems Don’t Worsen

The common misconception about minor dental problems, such as a cavity, is that it’s not a big deal unless it hurts.

That’s not true, and in fact, you could be inching your way to the dentist for a root canal the longer you let a cavity go untreated.

Like any problem, a cavity can get worse because the decay can spread, thus, expanding the hole in your tooth and allowing infection to form.

To keep that from happening, treat any dental problems as soon as you can once Dr. Cavendish finds them during an exam. That way you can preserve the strength and health of your teeth and likely avoid a root canal!

Habit 3 – Address Dental Damage Right Away

If you’re in an accident or suffer some kind of oral injury, your best chance of avoiding future dental problems is to address the problem right away.

This is a no-brainer for serious blows to the mouth that result in an obvious injury like a broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth.

But for even the most subtle damage to your tooth enamel is still damage. It can get worse if you don’t get it repaired promptly.

Bacteria can enter your teeth through even the tiniest cracks or weak spots that you can’t see. This can give bacteria the chance to infect your dental pulp and land you in the dental chair for a root canal.

That’s why you should let us take a look at an injured tooth right away so we can fix and protect it.

Habit 4 – Make Dental Care A Daily Priority

Keeping your teeth clean with brushing and flossing every single day is extremely important in fighting off harmful bacteria.

Not only does it help you avoid infections that can result in a root canal, but it also helps you prevent gum disease and the health effects that follow.

Make An Appointment!

As much fear as the dentist office stirs within many people, you would think that coming in for routine check-ups would be an easy way to avoid those types of procedures they fear most. For most people, that’s usually the dreaded root canal.

Yet, it’s too difficult for millions of adults who suffer from crippling dental anxiety. We completely understand!

That’s why we try to make your appointments as comfortable and easygoing as possible, because after all, staying on top of your dental care is the best way to avoid root canals and other procedures you’d rather not have to deal with.

But we assure you, even in those cases where you can’t avoid dental treatment, you’re incapable, gentle hands at Matthew J. Cavendish, DDS!

Call our Phoenix, AZ dental office today at 602-835-1304 or fill out our online form to schedule your next appointment.