Can You Avoid Getting a Root Canal?

Practicing good dental habits is the best way to avoid needing a root canal. Most root canals are needed due to infection, deep decay and dental trauma. You can reduce your risk of these problems by eating a balanced diet, brushing after meals, flossing daily, wearing properly fitted mouthguards when engaging in high-risk activities, and periodically visiting our Santa Clara dentist for routine checkups. Smoking is another risk factor for root canals. If you are serious about avoiding root canals and you smoke or chew tobacco, now is a good time to quit to protect your teeth.

 

Unfortunately, many people do need root canals, and there is no alternative treatment for a badly infected, decayed or traumatized tooth other than a dental extraction. While an extraction may sound simpler, it can have far-reaching effects for your life and your smile. Losing a tooth can cause other teeth to shift, and the jawbone can deteriorate at the site of the lost tooth. Replacing the tooth is vital to your continued dental health, but this can be a more expensive and complex process than treating the tooth with a root canal and restoring it with a crown. Call us today to learn more about your treatment options or to schedule an appointment with our root canal dentist in Santa Clara.