The most important factor of good oral health is proper care and preventative maintenance. Manhattan cosmetic dentists Dr. Clifford Degel and Dr. Carmen Every-Degel stress the importance of general dentistry to their Manhattan and Queens patients. Through the practice of good oral health care habits at home, alongside routine dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings, most dental problems can be avoided altogether or treated in their earliest stages. One of the problems most dreaded by our patients in Manhattan, a root canal infection, is an example of an issue that can be prevented by the practice of good oral hygiene.
Preventing Root Canal Infections
A root canal infection does not develop overnight; rather, it is a condition that builds slowly. A root canal infection occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause severe tooth decay. While it is natural for bacteria to be present in the mouth, it is important to control the number of bacteria present by brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth with water frequently (especially following meals).
If bacteria do multiply, a patient will begin to notice the buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar may be difficult to remove through routine cleaning at home, but they can be easily removed at a dental cleaning with Dr. Degel; this is why regular dental cleanings are an integral part of avoiding root canal infections.
Plaque and tartar buildup leads to tooth decay, which creates small holes in the enamel of the teeth. When left untreated, these cavities will continue to grow. Once bacteria have reached the center of the tooth (also known as the pulp), the root canal becomes infected, compromising the health and structural integrity of the tooth. Again, this is a slowly developing problem that can be avoided by:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Drinking plenty of water and rinsing the mouth with water after eating or drinking
- Maintaining a schedule of at least bi-annual dental exams or cleanings
- Treating tooth decay in its earliest stages
Treating Root Canal Infections
Unfortunately, we do frequently see patients who have developed a root canal infection. The good news for these patients is that we pride ourselves on offering our patients in Manhattan and Queens restorative dentistry treatments that are both effective and comfortable. The root canal treatment is actually a relatively simple and pain-free treatment. It involves a deep cleaning of the tooth to remove any infection and remaining bacteria, followed by sealing the tooth so that bacteria cannot re-enter the tooth and cause another infection. This restores the health of the tooth. In many cases, a porcelain dental crown is placed after root canal therapy to strengthen the tooth.
Schedule an Appointment
The need for extensive dental procedures can be avoided through routine care and maintenance. If your oral health has been neglected, it is time to get back on the right track. Schedule an appointment in Queens with Dr. Clifford Degel or Dr. Carmen Every-Degel today to have your teeth cleaned and examined.
