Many people dread hearing the words, "root canal." This dental procedure has a complicated history, but it is a way that your dentist can save your natural tooth. The process could take a while, depending on your situation. Use these four tips to prevent a root canal procedure from taking over your entire life.

Eat a Soft Foods Diet

A root canal may take one to three visits with the dentist or an endodontist. During the time that your root canal procedure is taking place, you will need to be extra gentle with your mouth and teeth. You might want to stick with a soft foods diet for a few days after your tooth is worked on. This helps to rest your teeth and jaws so that any inflammation or swelling can go away. Some good foods to try include applesauce, yogurt, pudding, soup and rice. Try to avoid foods that are difficult to chew, stringy or sticky. It is also a good idea to avoid foods that are very hot, very cold, carbonated or acidic. These foods could irritate the sensitive tooth and surrounding gum tissue.

Visit a Dentist

Visiting a dentist is key to preventing a root canal from causing problems in your everyday life. Today's root canal procedures are not like the root canals that were performed 20 or more years ago. Better pain control techniques help to ensure that you do not experience pain or discomfort during your dental procedure. High-tech equipment allows your dentist to have a better idea of the structure of your tooth and what the problem is within its roots. Digital imaging techniques allow your dentist to carefully attend to the infected tooth roots and seal them so they do not become re-infected. If you develop a toothache, it is important to go to the dentist and have it looked at. If possible, your dentist could take care of a cavity while it is small and before a root canal is needed.

Continue to Care for Your Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is a common cause for needing a root canal. It is important to implement or continue with a good oral care routine in order to prevent any worsening damage to your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth help to remove the bacteria that can get into your teeth. Professional cleanings performed by your dental hygienist or dentist, include teeth whitening in Charleston, WV, or in other areas, in most cases. You could also use a fluoride mouth rinse to provide your teeth with additional protection against bacteria and cavities that damage your teeth.

Get Fitted for a Permanent Crown

Once your root canal is complete, your dental work is not likely to be done. After having a root canal, your tooth will not have as much of its supporting structure left. There might not be enough tooth left for you to chew on without breaking the tooth. In order to prevent ongoing problems with a tooth that has just had a root canal, your dentist may recommend that you get fitted for a permanent crown. Crowns can be made of gold, gold alloy, porcelain fused to gold or porcelain. The type of crown you need will depend on the location of the tooth and your preferences.

You may be pleasantly surprised to find that getting a root canal is a straightforward procedure. Your dentist will do everything that is possible in order to minimize any pain or discomfort. You can also take action at home to achieve optimal oral health and take care of your mouth while you are having dental work done. These tips will help you to get through a root canal.