3 Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Needing a Root Canal

Learning you need a root canal can be daunting. Undergoing oral surgery and receiving local anesthesia is often something you don’t fully prepare for until your dentist informs you that your tooth is in trouble. So what can you do to minimize your risk? How can you avoid the potential for worsening oral health and instead, feel confident that your smile is void of this type of complex care? Can preventive dentistry be the key? Here are three things a dentist recommends that will help you keep your teeth damage- and decay-free.

Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits

If this one appears to be a bit confusing, hold on. Most insurance companies build their plans to encourage patients to use their available benefits for preventive care. This means you are likely to be covered at 100% for six-month dental checkups, cleanings, X-rays, and even fluoride treatment. These services are designed to minimize the risk of serious oral health problems that require restorative treatment. Because most insurers agree to pay anywhere between 50-80% of the total cost for minor and major restorative care, this is dependent upon whether you’ve met your deductible and how much of your annual maximum remains.

By using your preventive dental benefits, you’ll not only keep more money in your pocket but also reduce the chances of developing a serious tooth problem that results in root canal therapy.

Practice Good At-Home Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush as well as flossing between your teeth and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash is essential. These at-home oral hygiene habits should start at an early age but are crucial at any stage in life. By adopting these practices early on, you’re more likely to carry them with you through adulthood, helping to keep your teeth and gums free of cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems.

It also helps to eat healthy foods and avoid bad habits like eating ice, biting your fingernails, and chewing on inanimate objects.

Wear a Mouthguard

It might not seem like a mouthguard can do much to prevent a root canal, but if you want to make sure that your teeth remain damage-free, make sure you inquire about a customized mouthguard. This is especially true while playing sports. Severe damage to a particular tooth can negatively impact the innermost layer, which is known as the pulp. If this happens, the only viable solution is to undergo root canal therapy. By wearing a custom mouthguard, however, you reduce your risk of serious injury because of the device’s ability to absorb the pressure placed on your teeth.

“You need a root canal” may not be what you want to hear when visiting the dentist, so reduce your risk by adopting these three habits. In doing so, you’ll better protect your smile and your wallet.

About the Author
Dr. Caballeros and his team want you to save when arriving for your dental appointment. This is why at On Point Dentistry, we are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and assist in helping you get the most out of your dental plan. We also want to ensure the health and future of your smile, which is why we strongly encourage preventive care. Give our office a call or visit our website to learn more!