Preparing for Your Root Canal

When your tooth has decayed, your dentist may suggest undergoing a root canal treatment. Root canal therapy seeks to save a tooth by removing the damaged nerves and tissue inside the tooth’s pulp. According to a statement by the American Association of Endodontists, about 15 million root canal treatments are performed each year in the U.S.

While many individuals think of a root canal procedure as painful, it’s highly effective and safe. Fortunately, you’ll be under a local anesthetic, so you don’t expect to feel any pain during the procedure. Even better, it provides relief to symptoms associated with decayed teeth, such as pain, swelling, and bleeding

If you’re considering a root canal, it’s essential to see your dentist for a dental examination. The dentist will review your tooth and evaluate whether a root canal can be effective. If you’re given the green light, you’ll be booked for the main procedure. If your tooth is severely impaired, you may have to extract it and, if possible, replace it with a dental implant or bridge.

Preparing For a Root Canal Treatment

When it comes to preparing for root canal therapy, there’s isn’t much to do. The procedure itself is pretty quick as most root canals take about 1 hour. If you’re unsure how you should prepare for the treatment, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Ask Questions

During the initial visit to the dental office, make sure to ask your dentist about everything concerning your root canal therapy. Common questions to ask include the cost, expected results, before and aftercare instructions, types of sedation, and much more. You should notify your dentist of any ongoing treatment or medication.

• Have Someone to Drive you Home

During the treatment, you’ll be numbed or sedated to prevent pain and anxiety. Depending on the type of sedation you’ll receive, it’s essential to have someone to drive you home. Besides, it’s expected that you’ll feel minor pain or discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, meaning you may not be well enough to drive yourself.

• Don’t Smoke

Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, but it also increases the healing time, especially in a surgical procedure. Before and after the root canal, avoid smoking and tobacco products for at least 24 hours.

• Don’t Consume Alcohol

Before and after the treatment, avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours. Alcohol tends to dry out the mouth, making the procedure more complicated and lengthening the healing time.

• Take Medications as prescribed by the dentist

In some cases, the dentist may request you to take specific medication before and after the treatment. Make sure you take the medication as directed. If the dentist hasn’t prescribed any medication and you feel the need to take it, ensure you consult with them first.

• Eat a Few Hours before the procedure

You don’t have to fast for a root canal unless you’re dentist tells you to. Eating a few hours before the procedure will give your body the strength and nutrients it needs to undergo the procedure.

The Root Canal Procedure

During the procedure, here’s what to expect:

• You’ll be injected with a local anesthetic to prevent pain and keep you relaxed throughout the procedure
• The dentist will clean the tooth and the surrounding area to prepare it for the procedure
• The dentist then drills through the tooth to the infected pulp and cleans out the pulp by removing any infected tissues. The pulp is then disinfected to prevent new infections.
• The tooth is filled and sealed, making it impossible for new bacteria to collect and cause infection.
• The tooth may be covered by a crown for added strength and protection against further damage.

Aftercare Instructions

After a root canal procedure, proper dental care and hygiene is essential to prevent new infections and promote fast healing. Keep in mind the following care instructions:

• Don’t brush around the treated tooth for the first 24 hours. You can rinse your mouth with warm salty water.
• Relax for at least 24 hours
• Eat healthier and hydrate well
• Brush and floss daily
• Take medication as directed by your dentist
• Inform your dentist immediately in case of any complications such as severe pain, bleeding, or swelling.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams
• Avoid sugary foods and beverages
• Avoid chewing hard and sticky foods

Final Verdict

Are you looking for a root canal treatment office, or would you be interested in learning more about root canal therapy? Book your appointment with Edgartown Dental Group today and get started with your treatment.