Your Natural Teeth Are Here to Stay!
Save Your Tooth Month means sharing the best ways to help keep your teeth!
Dear Patients,
It’s time to relieve your dental pain and keep your natural teeth– all in one procedure!
You may be asking yourself, or your dentist, “How can I do this?” The answer is simple and straightforward: root canal treatment. Your dentist may recommend you make an appointment for a root canal treatment if they notice that the roots of your tooth are inflamed or infected. But fear not!– Although the idea of a “root canal” might immediately prompt your nerves, we ensure you that you have nothing to be scared of. Today’s advanced analgesics and technology are here to create a painless and inviting procedure. One can be sure to have a relaxed procedure as they doze off before it even begins!
What Does a Root Canal Treatment Entail?
Simply put, dentists recommend a root canal treatment to focus on repairing and saving a natural tooth that is badly decayed or infected without extraction or need for an implant. The procedure includes removing the pulp from inside the tooth, while cleaning/disinfecting and properly shaping the root canals in your teeth. The treatment ends with the endodontist adding a filling so we can ensure the roots will further stay in place.
What Age Will I Likely Need A Root Canal Treatment By?
Most oral infections do not discriminate against age. It does not matter whether your teeth are new or old, decaying of the tooth’s pulp complex can be detrimental to your teeth, and even lead to pulpitis. Diets are often the main cause of creating the need for a root canal treatment, so regardless of age, sugar does not limit its negative effects on teeth. However, sometimes irritation and old age correlate and have a better chance of leading to irreversible inflammation.
Babies and Root Canal Treatments: Cautions to Be Aware Of
When babies need oral treatments, they are often overlooked and brushed off as teething as it is the prime time for new teeth to grow in. However, root canals are not uncommon procedures for babies, toddlers, or young children. If your child’s crying does not seem to recede with time or seems a little too intense to be teething pain, it may be best to see their dentist. Even though their baby teeth will eventually fall out, their dentist will suggest fixing them unless they are very close to falling out naturally. Baby teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and ensuring future teeth grow in properly and straight. They also hold spaces for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them.
*Important Tip: It may be best to rethink giving your child a bottle of milk before bed if you are not planning on brushing their teeth afterward. This often causes tooth and root decay as the sugars in the milk sit on the teeth overnight. Try to give them bottles of water before bed if they have already brushed their teeth.*
How Can I Prevent My Need for A Root Canal Treatment Altogether?
The number one tip given to help you avoid all preventable dental procedures is to maintain proper oral care. This means brushing and flossing regularly and keeping up a low-in-sugar diet. And visiting your dentist as advised, of course! Our main goal at Englewood Dental is to ultimately prevent one from even needing extractions or implants and to save the natural tooth and its components.
Your Dentist,
Dr. Minichetti
At Englewood Dental, we’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call us at 201-871-3556 or click here to connect online!