Thanks to modern dentistry and technologies, almost every dental procedure has been made faster and more comfortable, even the daunting root canal treatment.
Your dentist does the root canal treatment to save your tooth after the dental pulp has been infected or inflamed. With a 95% success rate, a root canal helps you avoid tooth extraction. However, like oral dental health problems, it is possible to prevent a root canal by maintaining good oral hygiene.
According to the Australian Dental Association, more than 90% of adults have experienced tooth decay at some point in their lives, yet only 55% of Australian adults go for yearly dental checkups. But you might wonder what causes a root canal and how to prevent the treatment.
Let’s find out.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal s a treatment done to save your infected tooth after its pulp has been exposed to harmful bacteria. This procedure eliminates bacteria and prevents reinfection as your doctor seals your tooth once the infected pulp has been removed.
What Causes Root Canal?
A root canal is caused due to following:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to brush or floss daily can lead to many dental problems, including root canals. When you cannot take care of your oral hygiene, tartar and plaque will build up on your teeth, where harmful bacteria can reside, cause cavities, and eventually infect your dental pulp.
- Tooth Damage
Due to injury or trauma, your tooth can get fractured, and bacteria can invade the dental pulp easily. But that’s not all. The nerve & soft tissue inside your tooth can also die if your tooth gets hit with great force. In both these cases, bacteria infect the dental pulp, resulting in a tooth canal.
- Deep Decay
Several factors, such as eating sugary foods, and sugary beverages, not brushing daily, and the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth can cause tooth decay or cavities. If left untreated, the decay worsens and finally reaches the dental pulp. You’ll experience extreme pain once bacteria infect the nerve inside the tooth.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease or periodontitis starts as redness and inflammation of gums or slight discolouration on your teeth, but it quickly spreads throughout your mouth. If it reaches the dental pulp, you’ll need a root canal.
- Root Resorption
Too much tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, tooth replantation, trauma, or injury can lead to root reabsorption, in which the tooth structure dissolves away. While this condition doesn’t necessarily cause extreme pain, a root canal is still needed to save the tooth.
- Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly
When you don’t visit your dentist regularly, many dental problems you can get treated in the early stages go unnoticed. Only an experienced dentist can spot the warning signs of root canal infection and provide the treatment you need.
How to Prevent Root Canal?
Here are some tips to prevent root canals:
- Brush twice and floss daily.
- Use mouthwash with no alcohol.
- Pay a visit to your dentist at least twice a year.
- Get regular dental cleanings to maintain good oral health.
- If you notice any signs of infection, like increased sensitivity, tooth discolouration, and toothache, then visit your dentist immediately.
Root Canal Treatment in Aspendale Gardens, VIC, Australia
Aspendale Gardens Dental Care is the right choice if you are looking for the best dentist in Aspendale Gardens, VIC, Australia, who can perform a root canal expertly. We have a team of qualified & highly skilled dentists who offer quality dental services.
You can call our customer service today to find out more about our dental services or book your appointment.
