Three Tips to Avoid Root Canal Treatment

No one wants to undergo root canal treatment. When your tooth is exposed to decay or damage, bacteria can enter and reach the pulp of the tooth. The bacteria can quickly attack the sensitive pulp, causing it to form an abscess or infection. This can lead to further dental work, including root canal treatment. Dr. Woo Young Chang and the team at CK Dental & Associates can assess your situation and determine if root canal treatment is the appropriate procedure to remove the infected pulp.

At CK Dental & Associates, we offer sedation solutions to help ensure your comfort during the entire root canal process. We know that an infected tooth is painful, so at our Washington, D.C. office, we focus on providing you with modern root canal treatment.

Here are three tips for helping to avoid root canal treatment on your teeth.

1. Good oral hygiene: One way to help avoid root canal treatment is simple dental maintenance, which includes daily brushing and flossing.

2. Protect your teeth: Some individuals naturally have weaker teeth that can become damaged if they grind their teeth during sleep, so wearing a mouthguard can offer protection.

3. Be mindful of what you eat and drink: The third tip on how to help avoid root canal treatment is to avoid acidic drinks and foods that can damage enamel and put your teeth at risk of decay and nerve exposure.

If, even after following the above three tips, you still need root canal therapy, we encourage you to contact Dr. Chang at CK Dental & Associates.

Is a root canal right for me?

Even if you have followed the above tips to avoid root canal therapy, sometimes you still might need the treatment if your tooth pulp becomes inflamed due to a cavity or trauma. Dr. Chang will conduct an x-ray and complete oral evaluation to determine if a root canal is the right treatment choice for your needs.

Signs you might require a root canal include:

• Abscess on the gum near the tooth

• Pain when biting

• Throbbing pain

• Sensitivity to temperature changes

• Swelling around the tooth or along the gumline

• Darkening of the tooth

• Bad taste

Recovery after a root canal

Once Dr. Chang has removed the nerve center and blood supply of the tooth during the root canal, the tooth can become very brittle. Over time, the tooth can start to break down. After a root canal, it is recommended that you undergo dental restoration to protect the tooth. A dental crown will bolster the structure of the tooth.

After a root canal, it will take a few days to recover. Dr. Chang might prescribe antibiotics and pain medication during your care process. The team at CK Dental & Associates in Washington, D.C. will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. If you opt to undergo dental restoration, you’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments.

If your tooth becomes diseased or abscessed, you are in danger of several health problems. However, a root canal can restore and safeguard your oral health.

Schedule a root canal consultation in Washington, D.C. today

If you would like to learn more about how to prevent a root canal or determine if you require a root canal, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Woo Young Chang and the team at CK Dental & Associates in Washington, D.C. Dr. Chang will evaluate your oral health to determine if you require a root canal. He will also take the time to answer all of your questions.