Have you been sitting around with a toothache for days, weeks, or even months? Have you been postponing going to see your dentist? You know there is something wrong but can’t afford the cost of a dental visit. Maybe you’ve had a root canal done before and it failed because it wasn’t done correctly. Or perhaps there is a cavity in your tooth that’s causing the pain. No matter what the problem is, it is a serious one and immediate attention should be taken. The longer you wait, the worse it will get and chances are high that you’ll end up paying much more money in the long run. At some point, if left untreated, it can become an emergency. This can all be prevented through a simple root canal treatment, but when you are low on cash or your insurance won’t cover it, what do you do?
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment (RCT) is the most common and effective way to treat infected or damaged teeth. It involves removing all of the pulp from inside your tooth, cleaning out any remaining infection, filling in the space with a special type of material called gutta-percha, and then sealing it up so that no bacteria can get back into the area. This process may be done in one visit or over several visits. The length of time needed for this procedure depends on how badly the tooth needs to be treated. In some cases, an RCT will only take about 30 minutes. However, if there are multiple cavities or extensive decay, the entire process could take longer than 2 hours.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
You may need to get a root canal procedure if you have an infection, which creates pain in the jaw. Pain might be felt when you press into the area surrounding your tooth or when you touch the area with your tongue. A root canal treatment exists to remove all symptoms and prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues.
What Are the Signs of Needing a Root Canal Treatment?
If you have any questions about whether you need a root canal, it’s important to seek out professional help as soon as possible. Untreated dental problems can lead to serious health issues, including pain in other parts of the mouth. If you don’t get treated right away, these problems may progress into more serious conditions.
Below are some signs that you might be experiencing symptoms related to needing a root canal treatment:
- Swelling and abscess of the surrounding tissues of the tooth (periapical periodontitis) is a common complication of dental caries. The presence of an infected pulp, or periradicular infection, can lead to progressive destruction of the supporting structures of teeth. This condition may eventually result in loss of the affected tooth if left untreated.
- Severe pain in the area of the affected tooth
- Painful swelling of the cheek
- Tooth discoloration
- Discharge from the tooth
- Fever or chills
Can a Tooth that Needs a Root Canal Heal Itself?
NO, a tooth that has been affected by dental decay or trauma will never heal itself. If left untreated, the problem can worsen. It is necessary to go in for an examination and cleanings at least twice per year. If you have a toothache, see your dentist so he can determine the source of your pain.
Ways on How to Avoid Root Canal Treatment Naturally
There are many ways to naturally avoid root canal treatment. Root canals are sometimes necessary, but if you take care of your teeth and gums, you may be able to avoid them altogether. There are many things you can do to keep your teeth healthy without the use of costly procedures like root canal therapy. Here are 9 simple things you can do to avoid root canal treatment naturally.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day with a Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important ways to avoid root canal treatment naturally. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. You should choose toothpaste with fluoride, which will strengthen your teeth and help to avoid cavities.
Floss Daily to Remove Plaque
If you want to avoid root canal treatment naturally, you must floss every day. Flossing will remove bits of food that may be trapped in your teeth and gums. Food particles left in the mouth can lead to the formation of plaque, which can cause decay and infection. Flossing also massages the gums to stimulate circulation and promote healing of your gums.
Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months
It’s important to have regular visits with your dentist every six months so they can check for problems in your teeth. Many people wait too long between cleanings and as a result, they end up paying more money to have the problems fixed. If you take good care of your teeth at home with daily brushing and flossing, you may be able to avoid root canal treatment naturally or save some money on the procedure.
Tongue Scraping
Keeping your tongue clean can help to prevent root canal treatment because it helps remove bacteria from the mouth. Brushing your teeth will not succeed in removing the bacteria from your tongue, so you should scrape it at least once a day. Scraping will also reduce bad breath and kill bacteria that may be causing it.
Reduce Sugar Intake
You can avoid root canals naturally by reducing your intake of sugar. If you enjoy eating candy and drinking soda, it is a good idea to cut back on your sugar intake to reduce cavity formation. Not only that but sugary foods are associated with other health problems like diabetes and obesity.
Avoid Tobacco
Using tobacco is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. Not only does it cause cancer, but it also destroys the tissues in your gums. Tobacco use is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, so if you do choose to smoke cigarettes or cigars, try to quit.
Choose Your Beverages Wisely
If you want to avoid root canal treatment naturally, it is a good idea to drink water instead of other beverages. Fruit juices and soda contain sugar, which will stick to your teeth and cause decay. Drinking water can help you avoid root canals naturally because it washes away bacteria that can lead to decay.
Eat More Enamel Strengthening Foods
Eating certain foods that strengthen your enamel can help you to avoid root canal treatment. Foods high in calcium, protein, and vitamin D are beneficial for enamel because they help to keep your enamel strong and healthy. You should try to eat more foods like yogurt, cheese, salmon, and leafy greens.
Consider Mouthwash
Many people who frequently suffer from bad breath do not know that you can avoid root canals naturally by using mouthwash. Mouthwash kills bacteria, so it can help reduce bad breath and prevent tooth decay. Instead of using mouthwash with alcohol, which is very harsh on your gums, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.
If you do all these nine tips, then you can avoid root canals naturally. If you already have one, visit your dentist immediately to fix it.