10 Tips On How To Prepare For A Root Canal Therapy

by | Aug 7, 2020 | General Dentistry, Oral Health, Root canal therapy

Most patients dread root canal therapy because they associate it with pain and complicated procedures. However, contrary to popular belief, this dental treatment alleviates the discomfort and not the other way around. It’s also a simple procedure that may be done in a few minutes.

Although dental anxiety is common, patients need to understand why the treatment has to be done and how it works. Proper education and information will help them relax by being on top of their fear.

Root canal therapy

A root canal is a procedure that aims to repair and preserve a tooth from serious damage. Furthermore, it is a more viable solution than a tooth extraction. Mostly, the dentist or endodontist considers the root canal as an emergency procedure to save a patient from pain and risks of infection.

As to how it came to be, a root canal is actually the hollow section of the tooth. This chamber inside houses the pulp where the tooth nerves are. The tooth pulp is inessential for a fully-erupted tooth, however, it has sensory functions. Whenever you eat or drink hot or cold, its that nerve that’s responsible for the sensitivity that you may feel. Yet, this doesn’t affect the normal function of the tooth.

Somehow, when the pulp is damaged due to a broken tooth, it spreads bacteria inside the chamber causing discomfort and infection. This serious condition may lead to a dental abscess. An abscessed tooth brings lots of risks to a patient that’s why it needs to be reversed or taken away. That’s when the dentist decides to perform root canal treatment.

10 Tips on preparing for a root canal therapy

Now that you understand the importance of a root canal procedure, you need to prepare yourself before the big day. Consider doing these tips for a successful treatment:

Ask all your concerns away

If you have apprehensions, never be hesitant to open it up with your dentist. Anxiety will be a problem if you don’t find answers and solutions for it. You should remember that your healthcare providers are trained to make sure that they can help you be well and comfortable.

Get a good night’s sleep

Your body should be in its best condition all throughout the treatment period. To prepare for this, get a good night’s sleep prior to the day of the operation. This way, you can ensure that your body can endure the procedure and succeed all the way.

Eat Well

It’s also important that your immune system is up and running at all times. Give yourself proper nutrition by eating a healthy diet. This will help you get a speedy and smooth recovery.

Freeze some ice

Freeze some ice or prepare your ice packs the night before your dental appointment. You will be grateful for having them ready in your fridge when you come home right after your root canal treatment. The cold compress acts as tooth pain relief when your anesthesia starts wearing off.

Avoid liquor and smoke

Tobacco and alcohol are risk factors when you undergo dental surgery that needs anesthetics. Make sure you avoid these throughout your treatment period.

Consider taking painkiller prior to the treatment

Some dentists advise their patients to take ibuprofen hours before the root canal procedure. The medication will help ease any pain or swelling that may occur thereafter.

Discuss aftercare

Your therapy doesn’t end when you leave the dentist’s office. Once you get home, you will still need to take care of the operation site until it heals. It’s best to discuss with your dentist what appropriate aftercare procedures you should take for a quick recovery.

Prepare X-ray test results

Your dentist may need your X-ray test results for assessment before proceeding with the procedure. Make sure you already tuck them in your bag as to not forget them at home.

Call up your dental insurance provider

Make sure that your payment options are ready and available. If you have dental insurance, call up your provider and inform them of your upcoming treatment. This will help you with a hustle-free payment at your dentist’s office.

Inform your attendant on your schedule

Mostly, dentists would recommend that you have someone to accompany you during your root canal treatment. Since you will be under anesthesia, it will be safe if someone else could drive you home other than yourself.

Don’t take dental pain for granted and seek attention right away from your London dentist. They will help you find the best solution to end that discomfort and save your smile.