Although advances in restorative dentistry have made root canal therapy an essentially pain-free procedure, no one would ever voluntarily elect to undergo the procedure. It is far preferable to keep the teeth clean, healthy, and free from infection to begin with than to have to undergo an invasive form of oral surgery, no matter how safe and painless. At Eagle Gate Dental in Salt Lake City, root canal infections can certainly be treated, but we prefer to provide our patients with the education they need to avoid these infections in the first place. And once patients have undergone root canal therapy, we want their first procedure to be their last.

What is a root canal?

Many people believe that a root canal is a dental procedure; however, it is actually a structure within the tooth. In fact, each tooth contains between one and four root canals. Each canal contains dental pulp, a substance composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that provide nutrition to the tooth. This dental pulp is essential to the health of the teeth.

The pulp contained within the root canal is protected by the various layers of the tooth, including the enamel and the dentin. As long as these layers remain intact, the pulp is generally healthy. However, when the tooth becomes damaged, whether due to trauma, disease, or decay, the pulp can easily become infected or inflamed. At this point, root canal treatment becomes necessary. If left untreated, this damaged pulp will eventually put the entire tooth in jeopardy.

Tips for Preventing Root Canal Infections

In order to keep the tooth pulp from being infected, you have to keep the layers protecting it from harm strong and structurally sound. This means that you have to keep it free from the acids and bacteria that can lead to enamel erosion, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Here are just a few steps you can take to prevent root canal infections:

• Maintain good oral hygiene at home: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Be careful not to brush too hard, as doing so can cause your enamel to become worn. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is far gentler on your teeth than, and is just as effective as, a hard-bristled toothbrush.
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined twice a year: We can remove plaque and tartar that you cannot reach at home through twice-annual professional cleanings. Regular oral exams will allow us to detect potential oral health problems in their earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat.
• Notify us immediately when restorations become dislodged: If you have a crown or bridge that becomes dislodged, notify us immediately. Bacteria can become trapped under the restoration and result in tooth infections.
• Seek immediate treatment if your teeth become chipped or cracked: Compromises in the structure of your teeth can become doorways for bacteria to infect dental pulp.

Learn More about How to Prevent Root Canal Infections

To learn more about how to prevent root canal infections, please contact Eagle Gate Dental today.