What you need to do to prevent nerve removal

Root canal treatment will never be considered a very pleasant procedure. Its main goal is to save the tooth, so that it remains in the arch for many years. Although the goal is noble, the procedure itself takes quite a long time and requires a lot of patience from both the patient and the doctor. Therefore, whenever possible, it is good to prevent these situations. In the following we will present what measures you can take to avoid ending up with the nerve being removed.

• Proper oral hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent cavities. Once a cavity appears, without proper hygiene, it can become so deep that it will be necessary to remove the nerve.

To prevent such situations, it is recommended to brush properly twice a day, morning and evening, using a manual/electric toothbrush with soft or medium bristles. The recommended movements are those of "sweeping" from the gum towards the tooth. A brushing session should last between 2-4 minutes.

In addition to brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth are recommended as additional methods, as well as mouthwash. Good hygiene will prevent the accumulation of bacterial plaque, the trigger for cavities. It is good not to skip these steps no matter how tired or busy we are.

• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks

The most common examples are acidic drinks, citrus juices or sweets such as jellies. These undermine the enamel , the strongest layer of the tooth, and form deposits that represent a nutrient substrate for bacteria that will cause cavities . It is advisable to avoid sugar as much as possible, and instead of citrus juices it is preferable to consume the fruit itself.

• Avoiding very hard foods

"Cracking" candy is extremely harmful to the strength of teeth. Eating candy, very dry and hard pretzels, etc., undermines the strength of teeth and can ultimately lead to their fracture and inevitably to the removal of the nerve.

• Caring for "fragile" teeth

In the case of voluminous fillings, which affect several walls of the tooth, it is advisable to take care of them. To avoid possible fracture, it is recommended to avoid very hard foods - this category also includes oilseeds such as almonds or walnuts. Also, chewing gum for more than 5 minutes or eating sticky foods such as caramels can affect the stability of the fillings.

• Wearing braces

When the situation requires it. It is recommended for patients who suffer from bruxism - teeth grinding, or who clench their jaw - clenching. In these situations, due to the very high forces generated in these processes, cracks or fractures may occur, which necessitates the removal of the nerve. The splint is like a transparent mask that covers the entire crown of the teeth and prevents direct contact with the antagonists. It is usually recommended to wear it at night.

• Periodic dental checkups

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to maintain good oral health. During these check-ups, the doctor will detect the early signs of possible caries and can treat them using simple and minimally invasive methods . Professional cleanings are recommended every 6 months.

Prevention will always be the best solution . Although technology has advanced and root canal treatments are no longer as unpleasant as in the past, there are still some procedures that are more difficult to tolerate. Currently, nerve removal can be done in a single session and in maximum safety conditions, but there are longer sessions and require patience and tolerance from the patient. Therefore, whenever we can, it is advisable to respect the above and avoid these situations. Prevention is the key .