January 2015

by drrapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has the restorative dentistry expertise to effectively treat and correct root canal infections. However, Dr. Rapisarda and his team understand that most Boston patients would rather avoid root canal infections altogether. With proper dental hygiene and preventative care, you can keep your teeth healthy and prevent the need for root canal therapy.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is actually a part of your tooth – it’s the hollow canal protecting your tooth’s soft pulp, blood vessels, and bundles of nerves. The canal runs from the tooth’s center to the bottom of the root where the nerves emerge into the gums.

When a traumatic injury or tooth decay damages the enamel and dentin layers of your tooth root, it can leave the sensitive pulp within the tooth root exposed to infection. When the pulp and nerves within the root canal become infected, root canal therapy (the procedure we tend to refer to as simply a root canal) is needed to remove the infected tissue, repair the damage, and save the tooth.

How Can I Prevent a Root Canal Infection?

If you have never had root canal therapy, you probably want to keep it that way, and if you have had root canal therapy in the past, you probably want to know how to avoid another procedure in the future. In some cases, such as when an infection is triggered by a traumatic injury, root canal therapy may be unavoidable. But by keeping some tips in mind, you may be able to keep your teeth healthy and avoid any unnecessary treatments:

• Maintain Good Dental Hygiene: At the top of any list for avoiding a root canal infection, is a reminder to establish good dental hygiene habits and keep up the practice. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily, to keep bacteria and food particles from building up and contributing to tooth decay.
• Drink Water after Meals: Drinking water after meals can flushfood particles and bacteria out of the mouth in between brushing. It is especially important to rinse the mouth out with water after eating sugary foods, such as candy, or starchy foods, such as bread or potatoes.
• Keep Up with Regular Professional Dental Exams: While it’s always important to maintain good dental hygiene at home, sometimes tartar buildup and decay can develop despite our best efforts. Your dentist can spot these problems while they’re still small, removing plaque and filling small cavities before they progress into more serious problems.

Discuss Root Canal Concerns with Dr. Robert Rapisarda Today

Whether you think you may need a root canal, or would like more information on how to maintain good oral hygiene and health to avoid a root canal, talking to a trusted dental professional can help. Contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today to schedule a consultation, and discuss your questions and concerns with Dr. Rapisarda so that he and his team can help you maintain a strong and healthy smile.