If you have been told by your Lethbridge dentist that you need a root canal, there may be a few thoughts running through your head. This procedure can be scary, and you may feel anxious about undergoing such a treatment. Thankfully, technological advances in the dental industry have made the procedure easier, more streamlined, and, of course, painless.
Root canal therapy in Lethbridge is performed carefully by your dentist to remove any infections in the pulp of your tooth. It allows your dentist to restore your overall oral health, alleviate any pain and sensitivity you are experiencing, and prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Though some patients experience minimal discomfort during the appointment, the process will be over before you realize it.
Being anxious before your appointment is common, but there are different ways you can prepare to minimize any feelings of stress. These tips are outlined for your convenience below.
Preparing For a Root Canal Treatment
1) Discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist.
Before your scheduled appointment, your dentist will be available to answer any questions you may have to ease your anxiety about any aspect of the procedure. They will listen to your concerns and walk you through each stage of the treatment, so you know precisely what to expect and don’t meet any surprises.
2) Avoid alcohol and tobacco before the procedure.
Avoiding these products 24 hours before the procedure is ideal to ensure it is completed successfully. Your dentist will begin the treatment by injecting a local anesthetic into your gums. This will numb the area that requires care. Alcohol and tobacco can impact how well the anesthesia performs and slow down your healing process.
3) Make you eat prior to the procedure.
Since your dentist will use an anesthetic, you should eat a balanced meal before your visit to ensure you don’t feel unwell and not hungry while the medication is fading. Your mouth will remain numb for some time after your treatment is done, meaning it will be difficult to eat and drink.
4) Take a painkiller before your appointment.
Your dentist may advise you to take certain pain medicine before your procedure. It may help with the pain after the anesthesia wears off once the procedure is over. The anti-inflammatory properties of the painkiller may also help with swelling. Discuss with your dentist which medication they recommend.
5) Get a good night’s sleep.
Patients will recover quicker when they are well rested. Most of the repairs on the human body are done while we sleep, and patients should ensure they rest before and after the procedure. This will also help your immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
6) If necessary, consider going in for an emergency root canal.
In an urgent situation, an emergency root canal procedure may be performed to save your oral health. With these types of infections, the longer you wait to visit a dentist near you, the less likely your dentist will be able to save your natural tooth. Typical signs that may mean you need a root canal are:
- Unbearable toothache
- Visible pus from the tooth
- Severe discoloration
7) Allow time for your mouth to heal after your root canal.
Once your root canal treatment has concluded you may feel slight discomfort, but that will subside in no time. If you experience pain that does not go away, contact your dentist. In addition, avoid hard foods that require chewing, as they may cause irritation and interfere with your healing so it may be wise to avoid those.
Root Canal at Absolute Dental
Our dental clinic offers various services to help treat your teeth infections and restore your oral health. We offer root canal treatment near you to ensure you no longer experience any discomfort and can happily embrace your smile.