What to Do Before Root Canal Procedure?

If your dentist suggests you need endodontic treatment for relief from the severe toothache and lingering sensitivity you encounter in a specific tooth, you will likely question the dentist about what the treatment means. You express surprise when you receive information that endodontic is the standard term for root canals performed on millions of patients yearly to eliminate tooth infections to save it.

You might think about whether it is time to rush out of the dentist’s office because they suggested a treatment you think is more painful than the toothache you experience. Your thinking isn’t unjustified, as most people feel similarly about this excellent treatment that helps eradicate infections inside your tooth, enabling you to preserve it after restoration for as long as possible. The treatment undoubtedly has a fearsome reputation but is provided by specialists to relieve pain in your mouth instead of exacerbating it.

When suggested a root canal in Wynnewood, PA, it helps if you prepare for the procedure ahead of time instead of remaining concerned about the so-called pain and discomfort from this therapy. The preparation will make the treatment more comfortable and put you on the path to a safe and quick recovery. While you can expect the dentist treating you to manage the tricky part of the procedure, you can prepare for your root canal by doing the following before your appointment.

Preparing for Your Endodontic Therapy

If the root canal causes anxiety and stress because you don’t know what to expect, the dental team at Wynnewood helps with any questions you have to ease your mind and prepare you for the procedure. Therefore they suggest the following:

Discuss Antibiotics

Although antibiotics aren’t required after a root canal, some dentists prescribe them as a preventive measure against infections. Discuss with your dentist in Ardmore, PA whether you need antibiotics to minimize your risk of diseases after your root canal.

Refrain from Alcohol and Tobacco 24 Hours Before Your Treatment

The chemicals in cigarettes can disrupt blood flow resulting in bleeding during and after the root canal procedure. Smoking also slows down healing and increases your risk of developing infections. Alcohol dries out your mouth to affect the formation of blood clots essential at the surgical site.

Stock Your Pantry

While root canals do not cause severe discomfort during the procedure, they make it challenging for you to have the foods you love after receiving the treatment. In addition, you might find it difficult to rush to supermarkets or neighborhood stores to purchase edibles soon after receiving this treatment. Therefore it helps if you inquire with your dentist about the foods and beverages you can have after the root canal and stock your pantry accordingly to set yourself up for a relaxing time at home after your procedure.

Eat before Root Canals

Unless advised differently, you can have a hearty meal before you visit your dentist for a root canal. Dentists administer anesthesia in the mouth before starting the treatment, and the drugs numb your mouth for approximately four to six hours. Eating soon after receiving your treatment makes you prone to injuring yourself by biting your cheeks or swallowing hot foods or beverages. However, if your tummy is full before you receive your treatment, you can comfortably manage without food in the time following your procedure.

Arrange Transportation to and from the Dentists Office

Root canals are generally performed under local anesthesia. However, if your dental anxiety levels are high, the dentist might suggest sedation as an option to calm your nerves. Sedation makes you incapable of operating vehicles and requires you to arrange for a ride to and from the dentist’s office. Therefore it helps if you have a trusted family member who can remain with you for approximately four hours after your treatment to ensure you don’t encounter any complications.

Plan to Rest for a Couple of Days

After undergoing severe therapy like root canals, your body deserves some rest to recover. Therefore you must avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after receiving endodontic therapy to prevent dislodging of the blood clot resulting in severe pain and needing further treatment from your dentist in Ardmore, PA.

Besides the above, you can prepare a comfortable setting at home for resting with your favorite recliner and extra pillows to elevate your head and do everything possible to have a comfortable time after receiving this tooth-preserving treatment and finding freedom from the severe toothache you were enduring.

Wynnewood Dental Arts performs numerous root canal therapies on many patients suggesting that they prepare with the tips provided in this article before their treatment. If you encounter a similar toothache with lingering sensitivity and think you might need endodontic therapy, discuss any question you might have with this practice to receive answers without hesitation.