Our natural teeth are a precious commodity. We only get one set of permanent teeth, and preserving them matters. Sometimes, however, teeth need rescuing. That’s where endodontics comes in.
Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. One of the most common procedures they perform is root canal therapy, which is designed to save severely damaged or infected teeth.
Protecting your natural teeth starts early
As an endodontist at UAB Dentistry, Ashraf F. Fouad, D.D.S., M.S. works with other disciplines to promote oral health on the front end – before a tooth requires saving. Often giving talks on the prevention and treatment of endodontic diseases, he says there are many diseases we can’t do as much to prevent, but caries is one that we can.
“Caries, which causes tooth decay, is very preventable if you get in the right habits,” Fouad said. “Good oral hygiene habits, together with a balanced diet and avoidance of frequent sugary snacks, are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing problems.”
Daily habits matter
Hygiene habits begin with brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day (2x2) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Some brands of toothpaste come with fluoride which can help strengthen your teeth. After brushing, floss at least once a day using a gentle sawing motion, curving the floss around each tooth in a C-shape. This removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line.
After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help kill bacteria. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective at cleaning your teeth.
Fouad says that since your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, especially frequent snacking and sipping throughout the day. Behaviors like smoking and using other tobacco products can significantly increase the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Smoking is also associated with increased tooth pulp infection and reduced healing after treatment. Quitting tobacco is beneficial for both your oral health and overall well-being.
Visit your dentist regularly, he advocates. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential. Your dentist can identify issues early on and provide appropriate treatment.
Sports injuries can lead to tooth loss
“In most industrialized countries, where access to care is higher, caries is on the decline but dental trauma is on the rise,” said Fouad. “Trauma can result from things like accidents, falls and fights, but a big factor is our focus on a healthy, active lifestyle.”
He notes that activities like cycling, basketball, and soccer contribute significantly to dental trauma and points out that people wear helmets while cycling, but the helmet does nothing to protect the teeth. As a preventative measure, he urges you to wear a comfortable mouthguard while engaged in contact sports and other high-risk physical activities.
Why saving natural teeth matters
While there are situations where tooth extraction or replacement may be necessary due to severe trauma, decay, or other dental issues, preserving your natural teeth whenever possible is preferred.
Natural teeth are designed to efficiently break down food and aid in the process of digestion. And since teeth are connected to the jawbone, the process of chewing helps to maintain the bone's health and strength. If teeth are lost, adjacent teeth can shift and tilt, leading to misalignment, bite problems, and potential gum issues. The jawbone can begin to deteriorate, which can result in facial sagging and other aesthetic issues.
Understanding root canals
If a tooth does become damaged or infected, Fouad says an endodontist can perform root canal therapy to save it. The procedure involves removing the affected dental pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then filling and sealing them. After the root canal treatment and appropriate restoration of the tooth, it remains critical for the patient to save the tooth from future decay by appropriate preventive measures.
“Root canal treatment has a very high success rate," says Fouad. "However, even for the small percentage that continue to have disease, an endodontist can perform re-treatment or a small surgery at the tip of the root to save many of these cases.”
He warns that while endodontic treatment may seem costly at first, preserving and restoring the functionality of natural teeth can be more cost-effective in the long run.
A healthy natural tooth is designed to last a lifetime — and whenever possible, it’s worth saving.
Related oral health resources:
The dangers of periodontal disease and how to keep your gums healthy
Protect yourself from sports-related dental injuries
About the UAB Dentistry Endodontics Clinic
The UAB Dentistry Endodontics Clinic provides non-surgical and surgical root canal treatment for patients experiencing inflammation or infection of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. The clinic also offers treatment options for previously treated endodontic cases and works closely with referring dentists to help preserve natural teeth whenever possible.