Image of the inside of a tooth
Have you recently gone in for your routine dental checkup, only to hear those dreaded words, “You need a root canal”? This simple phrase is usually enough to strike fear into the heart of even the toughest people! Thankfully, with modern dentistry, this procedure is a thousand times easier than it once was. But even with that reassurance, you may be wondering why you need root canal treatment in Huntsville in the first place and how you can prevent this problem in the future. In this article, a dentist who specializes in root canals (also called an endodontist) explains what the root of the problem is!
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
It’s helpful to start by understanding the anatomy of a tooth. The outer layer of your tooth, called enamel, is the hardest substance in your body – even harder than your bones! The layer underneath, called dentin, is a bit softer.
Finally, the most inner layer of the tooth is called the pulp, or nerve canal. It’s much softer than the outer layers and is where the nerve and blood supply of the tooth is located.
This nerve canal can become infected and inflamed if it’s traumatized badly enough. Here are several possible causes:
- Blunt-force trauma or injury from an accident.
- A cavity that has grown so large that it’s reached the pulp of the tooth.
- Dental work that has failed after years of wear-and-tear.
- A large crack or fracture in the tooth.
Oftentimes these conditions can result in a painful toothache or abscess. Sometimes, however, the nerve of the tooth “quietly dies” and you don’t have any sensation at all.
Regardless of whether you feel pain or not, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy in Huntsville because the tooth has an infection that must be taken care of before it leads to bigger problems.
The benefit of a root canal is that it will save your tooth by the leaving the enamel and dentin intact, and will only replace the infected inner pulp.
How Can You Prevent the Need For Root Canals?
While there are some risk factors that are difficult to prevent, all of the following can minimize your risk:
- See your dentist every six months for checkups. This way, small problems can be caught early which can help reduce the dental work you need.
- Wear a night guard to protect your teeth from cracks that can develop from nighttime grinding, as well as a mouth guard during sports activities.
- Brush and floss regularly. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash to further prevent cavities.
- Decrease the sugars in your diet.
What’s Your Next Step?
If you need a root canal, you’ll want to look for an “endodontist near me” who has the advanced training and experience necessary to handle even the most complicated case.
Endodontists not only receive an additional 2-3 years of training after dental school, they exclusively perform these procedures day in and day out, which means they can provide exceptional care when you need it the most!
About the Author
Dr. Deborah S. Bishop is an endodontist in Huntsville who has set herself apart through extensive continuing education, active participation in professional organizations and leadership roles in her dental community. With experience as an adjunct professor in endodontics at The University of Alabama, she has the expertise to provide the best in root canal therapy. She can be reached for questions through her website, or at (256) 882-5161.