Is It Possible to Avoid Root Canal Treatment?

It’s possible to avoid a lot of things in the course of your dental health care, including the need for extensive treatment options such as root canal treatment. For example, if you prevent the tooth decay that causes that need, then you may never have to have your tooth treated at all. If decay does develop, but you treat it early enough, you can often do so with much more conservative treatment (such as a tooth filling). However, if your tooth is already in a severe enough condition to require root canal treatment, then the best way to avoid any further complications with your oral health is to treat it as soon as possible.

Starting with the decay in your tooth

The first step to preventing an infection in your tooth is to start with the source of the decay – the oral bacteria that make up plaque and tartar. Common tips like stay away from too much sugar and brush your teeth twice every day are formed around the importance of controlling these bacteria and the acids the produce by metabolizing sugar and carbs. This acid erodes the enamel that protects your teeth, paving the way for the bacteria to infect the bulk of your tooth’s main structure. This infection, or decay, will grow more serious, and before long, it can become severe enough to require root canal treatment to address.

Once you notice your tooth is decaying

If you fail to prevent tooth decay from forming, which is more common than you may realize, then you still have a good chance at preventing root canal treatment if you address it promptly. In many cases, that means cleaning out the cavity (or depression) that has formed in your tooth structure, then filling it with biocompatible, tooth-colored resin. The tooth-colored filling can stop the decay from growing worse and restore your tooth’s strength and integrity, helping you avoid the need to treat the tooth any further in the future.

If the tooth already needs root canal treatment

If your tooth decay has already become severe enough to require root canal treatment, then the priority is no longer to avoid it, but to treat the tooth as soon as possible. Severe tooth decay doesn’t stop just because your tooth is extremely decayed. It can continue to pose a threat, and in extreme cases, the only way to remove it may be to extract the tooth. To avoid this, allow your dentist to treat the tooth by cleaning the infection and decayed tooth tissues from inside of the tooth and its root canal as soon as possible. With root canal treatment and the placement of a lifelike dental crown, you have a good chance of avoiding losing or extracting the tooth and having to replace it.

Learn more about root canal treatment

Proper dental health care and maintenance can help you avoid the need for root canal treatment in the future. However, if you already need it, then it’s best not to wait any longer, or your tooth may be at an even greater risk than you think. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Yelena Popkova D.D.S. in Merrimack, NH, today at 603-595-9400. We also serve the residents of Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Milford, and all surrounding communities.