5 Tips to Prepare for a Root Canal
Many people fear the dentist. Others don't mind until they hear the words “root canal.” Then they get scared. That being said, it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, if you prepare for your procedure, there won't be any surprises and you don't have to be so worried about it. Here are some tips to prepare for an upcoming root canal procedure.
Talk to your dentist about what to expect.
When your dentist recommends a root canal, your mind may go blank. However, it is important that you talk to him or her about the procedure so you know what to expect. Are you going to get local anesthesia? Will you need more than that? What can you expect during the procedure? What should you expect once you go home? Do you need someone to drive you to the appointment?
Sometimes, the best way to be prepared is to know exactly what you should expect. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't remember them when you are in the office, don't hesitate to call back so you can get the answers you need.
Ask your dentist about pain medications.
Most dentists will recommend ibuprofen for the pain. In fact, they may request that you take it a few hours before you go in for the procedure. This medication is not just for pain — it can also help with any swelling that you may have after the procedure.
Start your antibiotics prior to your procedure.
Most of the time, you will need to be on antibiotics for a few days before your root canal. This helps kill any bacteria that you have in your mouth before the dentist exposes your roots. Once the procedure is done, you will need to finish the antibiotics. Do not stop them early because you could have more problems down the line.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco for a full day prior to your root canal.
As with any dental procedure, you will be numbed with a local anesthetic prior to your root canal. Unfortunately, adverse reactions have been found with both alcohol and tobacco so it’s best to avoid them for at least a day.
Make sure that you eat prior to your procedure.
Since your mouth will be numb after your root canal, it is important to eat before you go in. Remember that you might not be able to eat for a few hours afterward. You shouldn't eat right before your appointment but you can have a snack or a small meal a few hours before you go in.
That being said, there are times when you might be told not to eat. You may need some extra sedation to help you through your root canal and you might not be able to eat for several hours beforehand.
Conclusion
The best way to be prepared for your root canal is to find out as much information as you possibly can. Call our office to ask questions or get in contact with Dr. Sunar. Knowing what to expect can make the whole procedure less scary. If you have questions once you are out of the office, don't hesitate to call us back so you can get the answers.
You also need to follow your Dr. Sunar’s instructions. Take the antibiotic when you are supposed to. Don't forget to start it before your procedure. You are going to want fewer bacteria in your mouth before the dentist starts working on it. Then, make sure that you take the antibiotics as long as you are told.
Other than that, you are going to want to avoid alcohol and tobacco to prevent any adverse effects with the local anesthesia. You are also going to want to eat before your procedure, because you may not be able to eat much afterward due to the numbness. It may also help to take some pain medication before you go in if your dentist doesn't give you any.
If you are struggling with tooth pain, don't hesitate to contact us today. We will be glad to see how we can help! If you need a root canal, we will be happy to talk to you about the procedure so that you can feel prepared when the time comes. You don't have to be worried — you are in good hands at our office.