Going to the dentist is pretty easy these days, but there’s one treatment many people worry about: root canal therapy. Even if you have never had one, you might be concerned about it. That’s natural even though modern root canal therapy is more comfortable and quicker than ever (especially thanks to the rotary technology we have at our office).

If you are having a toothache, call us today at 732-945-5343 to schedule your next appointment. Dr. DiBona has been doing root canals for many years, so she has the real-world experience to match her advanced training in restorative dentistry. But the best option is to not need a root canal, right?

Avoiding Root Canals

Why would you ever need a root canal? It’s needed when a tooth gets infected.

Your mouth is home to harmful bacteria. These cause problems like cavities and gum disease. Normally, they cannot get inside a tooth thanks to the protective enamel. But if they slip past it, the bacteria infect the inside where all the blood vessels and nerve endings are found. That’s why a toothache is a common sign you need a root canal.

Here are four tips to help you skip root canal therapy and keep your teeth infection-free:

  1. Wear a sports mouthguard when playing rough sports: If you take a bad fall on the court, field, or even when riding a bike, you can easily crack a tooth. This allows bacteria to slip past your enamel and infect the inside.By wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard from Dr. DiBona, you can protect your teeth and skip root canal therapy. You can even get yours in your team colors.
  2. Brush and floss regularly: While you can never get rid of all those bacteria in your mouth, you can get rid of the food particles they need to thrive. That’s why brushing twice a day and flossing each evening is a great way to avoid needing a root canal procedure. Both remove the invisible particles of food and drink that those bacteria eat.
  3. Visit our Red Bank, NJ dental office every six months like clockwork: Although you definitely need to brush and floss at home, that’s not enough in the long run. Only a trained dentist like Dr. DiBona has the tools and expertise to get your teeth truly clean. That’s why everyone needs a dental cleaning twice each year. Plus, a thorough exam with digital X-rays can spot any cavities that can lead to infections and root canals.
  4. Call us if you have a toothache: Speaking of which, you might end up needing a root canal if you have a toothache. Your teeth shouldn’t cause any discomfort, so even if you have one that comes and goes, this is a sign that something is wrong. It’s often a cavity because it creates thin spots where temperature and pressure can reach the nerve endings inside the tooth. And if not fixed, that cavity can break through the enamel.

Call Denise DiBona, DDS, LLC today at 732-945-5343 or use our convenient online form to schedule your next appointment. Whether you need a cleaning and exam or you have a toothache, our team’s combination of training and experience can help you skip root canal therapy and keep your teeth as healthy as possible.