What is a root canal?
A root canal is a type of dental procedure that involves removing the innermost area of a tooth — known as the pulp — when it becomes infected or inflamed. Infection occurs as a result of tooth decay or when the tooth nerves become exposed through chips or cracks.
When necessary, we remove the infected pulp through a small opening in the tooth crown and then carefully clean and disinfect the inner area of the tooth. It is then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha that seals it and prevents bacteria from reentering the tooth. For more information on root canals and the procedure, check out our detailed explainer.
Warning signs before a root canal
When you have a tooth that becomes infected, it can be hard to tell, as it often happens without immediate symptoms. There are some symptoms you can look out for, like ongoing pain and discomfort, as well as a swollen jaw or gums. These symptoms indicate that infection is present. Experiencing sensitivity to heat or cold is also an indication, as well as visibly seeing darkening or discolouration of the tooth.
Another big signal that you’re at risk of needing a root canal is if you have a tooth that becomes chipped or cracked. This can expose the nerves inside your teeth, increasing the risk of infection. While you can’t always prevent physical damage to your teeth, there are many ways you can carefully look after them.
How to avoid a root canal
While root canals are safe procedures, they are a signal that your tooth has become very unhealthy, and we prefer to help you avoid reaching this stage. Here are some of our recommendations to help you look after your teeth and avoid the need for a root canal.
Daily oral care
It’s our first recommendation for anything that has to do with your teeth, but that’s because it’s essential! If you take care of your teeth every day with regular care and effort, you’ll better prevent any issues from arising. This means brushing at least twice every day and flossing daily to remove any food particles or debris from your teeth and prevent plaque build-up. We also recommend adding mouthwash to your daily routine to help remove bacteria.
Another key thing to do is be considerate about what you eat. While you don’t need to cut them out entirely, if you’re able to limit the amount of sugary and acidic foods and drinks you have, your teeth will be healthier and remain free of plaque.
Proactive treatment
When it comes to healthy teeth, we’re your best teammate — regularly visiting the dentist is one of the most important ways to keep your teeth healthy. At your regular checkup, we can assess your teeth for any cavities, identify where they may not be getting cleaned effectively, and give you a thorough scale and clean. All these things help us stay on top of your oral health and prevent any issues from getting out of hand.
You should be visiting the dentist at least every six months for a checkup, but also making sure to book an appointment if you experience any issues like tooth pain or prolonged sensitivity. If you delay getting your teeth checked, issues like tooth decay can develop until they become very difficult to treat.
Damage prevention
One of the biggest risk factors for infected or inflamed pulp is when your teeth become physically damaged with chips, cracks or breaks. Unfortunately, accidents can happen which cause these issues, but it is still important to try and protect your teeth as much as you can. This means wearing mouthguards whenever you play sport, and avoiding harmful habits like teeth grinding, chewing ice and biting your nails, which all put unnecessary stress on your teeth.
Why you SHOULDN’T avoid a root canal when you need one
As we’ve noted, we prefer looking after your teeth and reducing the need for root canals. However, if we find that your pulp has become infected, it’s important to have the procedure done as soon as possible. This is because the infection in your tooth will not get better on its own, and the nerve inside your tooth will die and the tooth can become more brittle and break. If the breakage is too large, the tooth may become non-restorable and you may need to have your entire tooth extracted and replaced with an implant.
The infection can also extend beyond your tooth if left untreated, moving to your jaw, blood, and other areas of your body, increasing your risk of disease. Getting the procedure done as soon as possible won’t just improve the health of your tooth — it will avoid severe consequences for your overall health and wellbeing.
Active dental care
Our focus above all is the ongoing health of your teeth, and doing our part to ensure your overall wellbeing. If you’re concerned about decay or have damaged your teeth in any way, book an appointment and we’ll help you with compassion and care. We’re always here to help you smile.
