Celebrating Root Canal Awareness Week

With the 10th Annual Root Canal Awareness Week just around the corner, let’s tackle the two words most hope to never hear from a dentist: root canal. A recent survey from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) showed that 67% of people surveyed said pain was the most concerning part of a root canal treatment. Although root canals are often believed to be a traumatic procedure, when done with modern techniques from a trained dentist, getting a root canal can be fairly painless and easy. The AAE, along with your family dentist in Valencia, wants to raise awareness of root canal treatments and how proper dental hygiene can prevent needing them. 

What is a root canal?
The tooth is composed of many different parts that play different roles in your dental health. The enamel is the pearly part of the tooth we all try so hard to keep white. Just under that is the dentin, which is a pathway for plaque to get from the enamel to the pulp. The pulp holds and protects your teeth’s roots. When the roots become infected or inflamed, a root canal may be necessary. Through preliminary x-rays, your dentist will identify the depth of your cavity and decipher based on the extent of the damage if you will need a filling or a root canal. 

After the use of a local anesthetic, your dentist will use a special dental tool to disinfect, remove, and clean out the infected pulp. The cleared root canal will then be filled with a rubber compound and sealed with a cementing paste. The process is finished out with a filling or a crown to protect from further infection and restore the tooth to a healthy state. This root canal process saves the natural tooth instead of needing to remove a decayed tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. 

How do I prevent a root canal?
Like most dental procedures, root canal can usually be prevented by taking pride in your oral health. Following the tips below and making regular trips to your Valencia dentist will help keep your teeth healthy:

• Maintain a low-acid and low-sugar diet. When the natural bacteria, plaque, that lives on your teeth is combined with any carbohydrate, an acid is released and will begin eating at your enamel. 
• Brush and floss your teeth 2-3 times a day, particularly after every meal. Don’t give any residual carbohydrates the chance to start the decay process!  
• If you are involved in any contact sports or activities, make sure you wear a protective mouth guard. Trauma to teeth can lead to a weakened tooth structure making it more susceptible to infection.  
• Visit your friendly Valencia dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning. This will pre-emptively identify any cavities that could potentially turn into needing a root canal.

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

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Exploring Dental Anxiety

If the idea of going to the dentist puts a pit in your stomach, then know that you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common ailment that, unfortunately, prevents many people from getting the care they need to enjoy a happy, healthy smile.

                      

Being a little nervous about going to any medical professional’s office is perfectly normal, but at what point does this discomfort become a phobia? Dental anxiety becomes a dental phobia when it has a marked impact on someone’s well-being. If you or someone you know has stopped going to the dentist because of a fear, then it’s time to seek help. Your Valencia dentists understand the anxieties that can come with visiting the dentist, and we have techniques and medications that help patients overcome this obstacle.

By now, you may be asking yourself, "How can I overcome dental anxiety?" We've seen many patients with varying degrees of dental anxiety; here's what we've suggested to them:

1. Speak with a Dentist.
   Your Valencia dentists here at Go Dental are always happy to speak with patients about procedures and the tools used to help show you why going to the dentist isn’t anything to fear! All of our professionals are extremely compassionate and friendly; we take pride in being your neighborhood dentists.
   
2. Dental Anxiety Sedation.
   We understand that phobias aren’t always easily dispelled with discussion. To help patients that suffer from a more advanced fear of dentistry, we have medications and relaxation techniques to help patients get the treatment they need.
   
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
   New studies suggest that undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can greatly reduce feelings of anxiety and stress that preempt a visit to the dentist. These short-format therapy sessions can help those who endure dental anxiety visit the dentist with much less fear.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, we understand and we want to help! Come see your friendly, family dentist in Valencia! Go Dental is always happy to help you understand why there's no reason to fear the dentist.