One of the best ways to avoid needing root canal therapy is by taking care of dental issues, like cavities and damaged dental restorations, as promptly as possible. When harmful bacteria is able to enter a tooth, it can cause an infection. Receiving fillings or new crowns or bridges can prevent this from happening and reduce the amount of restorative dental work required. However, infections cannot always be prevented, and there is no shame in needing one or more root canal treatments.