Although I floss and brush my teeth daily, I still need root canals on two teeth. I’m frustrated because my dentist started my Invisalign treatment 2 months ago. And now I’m having problems with my teeth. One tooth had a filling that failed, and the other tooth had a crown on it. Both teeth were getting sensitive. My dentist and I decided to do the root canals, let my teeth relax, and resume Invisalign. I’m worried about my teeth because I’m only 31 years old. I also grind my teeth at night. But I don’t want to go through orthodontic treatment, spend thousands of dollars on it, and still need extractions because I have bad teeth. – Chelsea
Chelsea,
Why Do You Need Root Canals If You Floss and Brush Daily?
You may still need root canal treatment even if you floss and brush daily if your teeth are weak or sensitive. For example, grinding your teeth stresses them and can make them sensitive.
According to the Nation Institute of Craniofacial Research, bruxism or teeth grinding affects teeth in the following ways:
- Creates cracks or chips
- Causes pain or sensitivity
- Loosens teeth
- Wears away tooth enamel
Other factors that can weaken teeth include:
- Binge eating
- Excessive alcohol use
- Nail biting
- Smoking
- Sugary foods and drinks
Dental implant
It’s worth interrupting Invisalign treatment to take care of your teeth. Otherwise, pressure from the aligners moving your teeth can cause more irritation. Without treatment, a tooth infection will progress, so it’s best to treat it immediately to avoid losing the tooth and needing dental implants.
Successful root canal treatment lasts a lifetime. You don’t need to worry about losing teeth and wasting money on orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth alignment promotes better oral health.
Our advice is that you continue to receive good dental care. It sounds like your dentist is concerned about your oral health. Let her follow through with root canal treatment and stabilize your oral health. You can resume Invisalign with healthy teeth.