Root canal treatment is a treatment performed that removes the crown, the root, and the pulp of a tooth.

The tooth is vulnerable to infection if it has become decayed or damaged which in turn can lead to an abscess which is quite literally a pocket of pus that can become so large that it may start to press on the nerve in the tooth, causing great pain or discomfort.

A simple and straightforward way of avoiding root canal treatment is to avoid the need to have it in the first place. You will need to take good care of your teeth to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This means that you will need to invest in a good quality toothbrush and remember to floss your teeth daily.

Another important factor is to make regular visits to your dentist, who will keep a close eye on your dental health and check you for the first signs of dental decay or damage that could lead to infection in a tooth.

If you find that you are suffering from a toothache, the best thing to do is to make an immediate visit to your dentist who will be able to prescribe strong antibiotics and find out what has caused the infection in the first place. If they work, then great, just make sure you stay super vigilant at flossing and cleaning your teeth so the infection doesn't return.

If you really wish to avoid root canal treatment is to be confident about the treatment you want to have and find out your options before you make that visit to the dentist. Many people believe for example that if they have a tooth that is broken or cannot be filled that it should be pulled or your dentist would probably recommend have root canal done. This may not be your best option and if you have no pain and you know that the root is perfectly healthy, you may be wise to just leave it in place and not interfere with it.

If you find that you are having trouble getting rid of that niggling pain in your tooth and you really don't wish to opt for root canal treatment, harsh though it may seem the only other way to avoid root treatment is to have the tooth pulled. This will be the other option that your dentist will offer you, although he will be loath to suggest it.

Some people prefer to just have the tooth pulled as it lessens further complications associated with root canal treatment such as the chance of having post op toxins secreted into the body, leading to problems with the immune system.

If you have your tooth pulled you will need to be aware that a gap in your teeth may lead to some displacement of the other teeth in your jaw and you will be advised whether you may need to have a bridge put in to fill the gap, a replacement, or perhaps a brace to help lessen the gap and straighten crooked teeth.

Problems with teeth tend to be a highly individualized matter. Many problems can be caused by ill health, poor oral care and hereditary factors. In all instances having a set of healthy teeth is very important to a person and I would advise having a second opinion if you are not at all happy with what your dentist has advised you to do especially if he has advised root canal treatment.

Once the operation has been performed there is no going back and it is important that you understand the pro's and cons of undergoing such a treatment.

Learn more about this author, Jane Allyson.
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