Endodontics Breakdown
Contrary to popular belief regular flossing and brushing cannot prevent a root canal. Why? A root canal can happen from having an infection or decay that is so large that the pulp nerve of the tooth becomes exposed. Once decay has reached the nerve you will experience pain.
“I don’t need one, Doc, I don’t have any pain!” It is not uncommon for decay to be present in the tooth and for a person to have little to no pain. Once the pulp is exposed that is when extreme Benefits Of Being A Pediatric Dentist pain occurs that you can feel all the way up to your brain. Basically, if the pulp isn’t exposed then pain isn’t guaranteed to occur. Your cavities get deeper and you still feel the same!
It is these factors that make early prevention so important for your teeth and your pocket. Fillings cost about $200-$300 but a root canal costs ten times more. You can expect to pay $2000-$2500 per root canal. So how do you prevent having to get one these horrible things?
1. Maintain a regular and consistent dental regimen with flossing and brushing to avoid getting cavities in the teeth you still have. Brushing and flossing twice a day is recommended but if you can only floss once do it before bed.
2. See your dentist regularly so that cavities can be caught early.
3. Get your cavities filled promptly. Bigger cavities means bigger fillings. Don’t put it off because they can grow quickly and in the absence of pain you won’t know how big it is getting.
4. Receive a fluoride treatment from your dental hygienist when you go in for your cleanings. Most people opt not to receive fluoride because of the $15-$20 out-of-pocket cost or rinse too quickly after receiving the treatment. They are doing their teeth an injustice! Fluoride helps mineralize the weak areas in your teeth and is essential to preventing cavities (which can lead to a root canal)
5. Eat a balanced diet and include vitamin c, dairy and fish. Visit this website Dentistry Today Pdf for more information and studies regarding your nutrition and tooth decay.
6. Avoid amalgam fillings which have the tendency to pull away from the tooth and create pockets for bacteria to enter and multiply. The use of amalgam is controversial but the tooth expands and shrinks when exposed to changing temperatures.
7. Eat foods that help to clean your teeth. Cheese and celery are foods that are proven to help clean teeth.