When You Can Seek Alternative to Root Canal

Root Canal. Two of the most dreaded words in the English language. Cue images of unfortunate patients contorted with pain as a dentist stands over them sporting pliers and a diabolical grin. While this procure can be painful, advances have made this particular trip to the dentist chair more efficient and effective. Once the root of a tooth gets infected, it can spread bad vibes and suffering to gums, other teeth and even the tips of toes and fingers. You must get this problem fixed or the pain will overcome you like a lead elephant kneeling on your head.

In this series of dental health videos, an expert dentist will explain the alternatives to root canal surgery. You may be able to get fillings instead or even a porcelain inlay. Or if its not too late, you can use fluoride to prevent infection in the first place.

"We have some alternatives to root canal. So it's kind of difficult because once you hit the root canal stage and you, really there's no going back. Let's say, for one instance you have a cavity and it's still small, to take care of that cavity. Fill it with a white filling, a silver filling, gold filling. Whatever you like. If the tooth has broken down quite extensively and you need to put a crown over it. Then do so to protect that tooth. Those are the two most common modalities in preventing the root canal. The most important modality is not to get a cavity. Not to have the tooth broken down and keeping the tooth strong. Regular calcium intake, using the fluoride in keeping the enamel strong. Basically having a good diet and the most important thing is oral hygiene. We stress oral hygiene over and over again. Mainly because oral hygiene we know is the key component in preventing root canal, any type of tooth diseases, if we can keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean."