“How can root canal treatment be prevented?”

The sooner you get the tooth filled the better because as the decay(cavity) gets larger and deeper it gets closer to the nerve. This is when a root canal may be necessary. The best way to prevent a root canal is to get your fillings done when they are first diagnosed. Sometimes if you've not seen a dentist in a while and already have a deep cavity this might be difficult to prevent.

A root canal is necessary when the nerve inside the tooth has been damaged to a point where it can no longer heal. So the way to prevent a root canal would be to not allow the nerve to get damaged in the first place.

The best prevention for having a future root canal is avoiding decay altogether and the resulting restoration. The smaller the filling, the lower the chance the tooth has of developing immediate or future issues. Any restoration big or small causes "nerve" irritation and possibly a root canal. Keep up with your prevention every six months at your dentist and your home care. That is the best recipe for steering clear of the Endodontist. Hope this helps! :)