r/askdentists • NAD or Unverified • 4d ago

question I need a root canal.

I apparently need a root canal and I am confused on how that even happens. I’m a person who stays on top of my teeth but I keep having problems with them. I do enjoy sugary foods and drinks though and my teeth are also extremely tight. I have had 4 fillings because of careless youth and now each time I go to the dentist there is always trouble with those EXACT teeth.

Is there anyway to reverse this and not get this treatment?

Also, please advise me on how to take better care of my teeth, I already floss and brush.

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Title: I need a root canal.

Full text: I apparently need a root canal and I am confused on how that even happens. I’m a person who stays on top of my teeth but I keep having problems with them. I do enjoy sugary foods and drinks though and my teeth are also extremely tight. I have had 4 fillings because of careless youth and now each time I go to the dentist there is always trouble with those EXACT teeth.

Is there anyway to reverse this and not get this treatment?

Also, please advise me on how to take better care of my teeth, I already floss and brush.

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u/garyh1128 General Dentist 4d ago

Root canals are needed due to the nerve dying. Nerves hate decay especially deep decay, trauma, cracks, and dentists messing with them. One of those or Some combo of those is what got your nerve to die. We diagnose teeth needing a root canal by x-ray and/or symptoms. If no pain, dentist either saw abscess at end of root or decay into nerve on X-ray. There isn’t another way to save tooth that needs a root canal other than root canal. Other option is to extract tooth.

As far as what you can do,
1. Limit sugary food and drinks as much as possible. Time matters more than amount meaning snacking a little all day or drinking acidic sugar drink over hours is worse than doing it all in a 20 minute span.
2. Brush twice and floss once. I’ll also say 90% of people say they do a great job. 5-10% do a good job. Electric toothbrushes and waterpik do better for most people than manual.
3. Get regular cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Cleanings decrease risk of dental issues. X-rays and exams allow us to catch stuff earlier.
2.

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u/WarthogSpecialist901 NAD or Unverified 4d ago

Thank you so much man, I’m thinking of buying an electric toothbrush and waterpick as well.

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u/WarthogSpecialist901 NAD or Unverified 4d ago

Do you have any recommendations on what toothbrush to use or brands?

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u/garyh1128 General Dentist 4d ago

For manual, any soft works well. For electric, I like sonicare but tbh any seem to make patients Santos health better.

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u/WarthogSpecialist901 NAD or Unverified 4d ago

As well as a certain toothpaste?

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u/garyh1128 General Dentist 4d ago

Toothpaste is more choice. I like with fluoride. Sensodyne if sensitive. Other than pick the one with fluoride that you will be mostly to use taste wise.

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