How to Prevent Another Root Canal

If you’ve had one root canal, that was enough. You don’t want another one. You remember how painful and hypersensitive your tooth was when it became infected. And then there’s the cost.

Jason Ray, DDS, offers preventive care to help you avoid another root canal and other oral health problems. Our team also offers personalized tips for keeping your teeth healthy. Here’s what you need to know about root canals and how to prevent them.

Why you could need a root canal

You may not realize that only about a third of your tooth is visible above the gum. The rest of your tooth lies below the gum line, and it contains your tooth root. 

The roots of your teeth connect to your jawbone. The root contains nerves and blood vessels. In the center of the tooth is the pulp, composed of connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels, and odontoblasts that make up the innermost layer of a tooth.

The root canal is the passageway through which nerves and tissue are housed.  

If you have tooth decay or a cracked tooth, bacteria can enter the tooth and infect the pulp. 

During a root canal procedure, we remove the infected pulp, disinfect the canals and pulp chamber, fill the root canal, and seal the tooth. 

How to prevent a root canal

You can take steps to avoid a root canal. Here’s how:

Good oral hygiene

Brushing your teeth twice every day and flossing at least once a day helps prevent root canal infections. Use a good mouthwash, and brush your tongue. If you notice heavy bacteria on your tongue (which looks white), use a tongue scraper. 

Cleaning the bacteria from your mouth every day is the first line of defense against another root canal. 

Keep your regular dental appointments 

Dr. Ray lets you know how often you should schedule your dental appointments. For many patients, it’s twice a year, but if you have gum disease, he may need to see you three or four times per year. 

If you see us regularly, we can catch any cracks or decay in your teeth before bacteria invade and infection sets in.

Avoid frequent sweets 

Eating sweets frequently creates an abundance of bacteria in your mouth that can overwhelm your body’s ability to remove it even if you brush and floss regularly. Bacteria interact with sugar, leading to tooth decay. Eat a healthy diet and limit sweets. 

Drink enough water

A dry mouth increases your risk of gum disease. Keep a water bottle nearby and drink water throughout the day. 

You need water to make saliva. Healthy saliva production is essential for your oral health. It protects your teeth and helps remove harmful bacteria. 

Seek treatment early for oral problems 

Does your tooth feel sore? Don’t wait until you’re in severe pain before making a dental appointment. We can help you avoid another root canal. 

Be proactive with your oral health and call us at the private practice of Jason Ray, DDS, or request an appointment through our online portal today.