Having a root canal can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what is involved in the procedure and being adequately prepared for it can help ease any anxieties you may have.
With the right knowledge and preparation, along with some comforting tips on easing nerves while undergoing treatment, you should feel more confident about your appointment. So read ahead as we review everything from pre-procedure advice to finding relief afterward.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist
The first step in preparing for a root canal is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays of the affected tooth to determine if a root canal is necessary. They will also discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
Understand the Procedure
It is important to understand what a root canal entails before undergoing the procedure. A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth’s root canal system. The procedure involves drilling into the tooth and removing any diseased tissue, as well as cleaning and sealing the area to prevent further infection or damage.
Prepare for Discomfort
It is important to be aware that there may be some discomfort associated with having a root canal procedure. Your dentist will use local anesthesia during the procedure, but you may still experience some pain or discomfort afterward. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding taking pain medication and other aftercare steps in order to minimize any post-procedure discomfort.
Discuss Anesthesia Options
Your dentist should discuss anesthesia options with you before beginning the procedure, as there are several available options depending on your individual needs and preferences. Local anesthesia numbs just the area around where the work will be done while sedation dentistry uses medications such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives to help relax patients during procedures that require more extensive work or greater discomfort levels than a simple filling or extraction would require.
Have Someone Accompany You
It is recommended that you have someone accompany you when going for a root canal, especially if you are receiving sedation dentistry during the procedure as it can make it difficult for you to drive home afterward due to residual effects from the medications used during sedation dentistry procedures. Having someone accompany you can also help alleviate anxiety about having dental work done by providing emotional support throughout the process.
Plan Ahead for Aftercare
Once your root canal has been completed, it is important to plan ahead for aftercare in order to ensure proper healing and avoid complications such as infection or further damage to your teeth and gums caused by improper care following treatment.
This includes avoiding hard foods such as nuts and ice, brushing gently around treated areas, flossing daily, using an antimicrobial rinse regularly, wearing a night guard if prescribed by your dentist, and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist following treatment in order to monitor healing progress and address any issues that arise quickly before they become more serious problems requiring additional treatment down the line.
7 Follow Up With Your Dentist
It is important that you follow up with your dentist after having a root canal in order for them to monitor how well the treated tooth heals over time and address any issues that may arise due to improper care following treatment or other factors affecting healing progress such as changes in diet or lifestyle habits since undergoing treatment
Contact Bakersfield Smile Design Today
Our team of professionals have helped countless patients transition through their root canal in a safe and stress-free manner. From prepping for the appointment to learning all about what takes place during a root canal procedure, our dentist and support staff will answer all your questions and provide individualized treatment so you can leave feeling like you made the right decision.
We understand that your time is valuable so you can rest assured that we’ll take great care of you every step of the way. Don’t wait any longer, contact Bakersfield Smile Design today and let us help you get started on the path to excellent oral health!
