Did you know that May 11th, 2022 is National Root Canal Appreciation Day? It is a day our endodontic team looks forward to because, in the past, a tooth infection could cause lasting damage. Thanks to modern technology, a simple root canal is all it takes to save the tooth and perhaps a life.
These days, root canals are one of the most routine dental treatments. They work their magic by removing the inflamed, infected areas in a tooth pulp (filled with nerves and tissues). It not only gets rid of harmful bacteria in the infected root canal but stops reinfection of the natural tooth and saves it.
Why Save a Natural Tooth?
- Most effective at chewing
- Maintains a normal bite
- Looks natural, blending in with your smile
- Protects surrounding teeth from premature wear and tear
Recognizing National Root Canal Appreciation Day aims to help people understand what a root canal treatment is and appreciate healthcare professionals trained to treat them (dentists and endodontists).
National Root Canal Appreciation Day History
National Root Canal Appreciation Day was started in 2005 by “rock-n-roll” dentist Dr. Chris Krammer. As a musician, he wrote a song called “Get Out the Brush”, and his goal was to teach people about good dental care through his music. Tooth infections (abscesses) can spread to other areas of your body, and it’s how a root canal can save your life by preventing that infection spread from happening!
This National Root Canal Appreciation Day, we encourage you to take extra care of your teeth through brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouth-healthy oral rinse and then adopting that as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. We invite you to give a shoutout to your hardworking dental and endodontic teams, who love helping you create a healthy smile. By learning how root canals work, you can take better care of your teeth every day.
What a Root Canal Looks Like
In the past, folks were often scared of having a root canal done. But at their core, root canals can get rid of a harmful infection within a tooth and keeps cavities from developing and permanently damaging teeth. By having root canal therapy, you are getting rid of the painful part of the infection:
- Removing the inflamed or infected bacteria and pulp
- Cleaning and disinfecting the canals inside the tooth
- Filling the canals and sealing them from further decay
When it comes to dental care, getting a root canal done is one of the most common treatments performed because they prevent tooth decay. Thanks to the marvels of anesthesia, getting a root canal is similar to having a dental filling done. You can typically expect to be made as comfortable as possible with some degree of easily managed soreness for a few days.
You Might Need a Root Canal if You Find Yourself With:
- Extreme pain when chewing or biting
- Unexplained bumps on your gums
- Chipped, cracked teeth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Gums are swollen or tender
- Deep decay or your gums look darker
Recognize National Root Canal Appreciation Day by thanking your dentist and endodontist for their diligent work in keeping your smile healthy and strong. Share what you have learned about root canals with your friends, family, and coworkers. Everyone deserves a healthy smile they love to share!
#RootCanalAppreciationDay
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