Root canal therapy (RCT) plays an important role in helping people maintain their smiles and prevent tooth loss as a result of decay or traumatic damage. Still, though RCT offers vital benefits for oral health needs, you don’t necessarily want to have them on a regular or repeated basis.
It’s true: Sometimes a root canal needs a “redo,” particularly for complex cases. For instance, unusual tooth anatomy may interfere with the success of an initial treatment, necessitating a retreatment. In these instances, a second treatment can resolve those issues and protect your tooth.
However, some patients find they need root canal therapy on a regular basis to treat different teeth. In these instances, understanding the underlying reasons for root canals could help reduce your need for treatment in the future.
Daniel Park, DDS, is an experienced provider of state-of-the-art root canal therapy for patients at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental, using advanced techniques for optimal outcomes. In this post, Dr. Park reviews three reasons why you may need repeated root canal treatments.
It’s pretty safe to say no one actually looks forward to going to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup, and it’s also a fair assumption that many people put off seeking dental care for the same reasons. But delaying care — including preventive care, like cleanings — poses serious negative consequences for your oral health.
Regular professional cleanings are essential for removing tartar and bacteria lodged between teeth and at or just below the gum line. Both tartar deposits and bacteria contribute to gum disease, a serious infection that dramatically increases your risks of tooth loss and other oral health problems, including deep infections.
In fact, delaying regular dental care can allow minor problems, like early gum disease or tiny cavities or cracks, to progress to more serious problems that require more complex interventions. Sticking to a twice-yearly dental cleaning schedule is one of the best ways to protect your oral health and avoid needing root canal therapy in the future.
Having a good home care routine is important for managing your oral health in between professional cleanings and checkups. That means brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing once each day.
It also means using the right techniques when you brush and floss to make sure you’re cleaning your teeth adequately and providing them with the most protection possible. The American Dental Association's (ADA) website offers tips on how to improve both your brushing techniques and your flossing routine.
Brushing and flossing get rid of harmful germs on the outside of your teeth and gums, but your diet keeps your teeth and gums healthy from the inside. Most people know sugary foods contribute to tooth decay, but they don’t know why.
Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. When the bacteria grow and multiply, they release acids that eat away at tooth enamel. As enamel breaks down, the weakened areas on the surfaces of your teeth allow bacteria to enter, leading to cavities, deep decay, infections — and an increased risk of needing a root canal.
Instead of snacking on sweet foods, opt for fresh fruit, raw vegetables, nuts, or dairy foods, like yogurt or cheese. Research shows dairy foods may help prevent cavities by providing a protective barrier for teeth and helping remineralize damaged enamel.
When it comes to beverages, nothing is better for your teeth than good old water. If you don’t like it plain, consider adding cucumber slices, a few sprigs of mint, or melon chunks.
Toothaches, swollen gums, chipped teeth, and other unusual signs and symptoms should never be ignored, even if they cause minor discomfort. Early treatment is essential for preventing further damage and, ideally, avoiding root canal treatment in the future.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms or if it’s been a while since your last checkup, don’t delay care. Call the office to request an appointment with Dr. Park and the team at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental in Beaumont, California today.
