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5 Things to Do in Preparation for Your Root Canal Procedure - Our Guide
Dec 05, 2019
For many people, hearing the words “root canal” is enough to send them flinching from the thought of dentists drilling holes in their teeth. A root canal treatment has a bad reputation among patients for being dreadfully painful. In truth, it’s actually a simple and relatively painless procedure that’s crucial for saving your tooth. The most pain you will feel is the slight discomfort of the anesthetic injection at the start of the treatment.
Root canal treatments are recommended by dentists for severe cases of tooth decay when the cavity has reached the pulp of the tooth. When this is damaged, it becomes infected with bacteria and may form pus and abscess. If left untreated, this can cause other serious dental problems and may even lead to tooth loss.
To save your smile, dentists will drill a hole to remove the decaying pulp and nerves from your tooth. They’ll disinfect what’s left of your tooth and fill it with a crown or cap to protect it from further damage. If you’re a candidate for a root canal procedure, don’t panic—here are five things to do before your treatment to ensure that it goes as pain-free and stress-free.
1. Talk to your dentist
When it comes to preparing for your root canal treatment, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions. During your initial consultation with your dentist, don’t hesitate to raise your concerns about undergoing the procedure. If there’s anything that you didn’t understand from their explanation, ask them to expound.
Additionally, ask about after-care tips so you can heal faster and go back to your daily routine more quickly. If your tolerance for pain is low, your dentist may prescribe over-the-counter drugs and list down what foods to eat to help you adjust post-surgery.
2. Get a good night’s rest
The night before your big day, make sure to get enough sleep. It will allow your body to relax so you can come to your dentist’s clinic feeling alert and ready for your root canal treatment.
3. Take painkillers
While you’ll be given a shot of anesthetic before the procedure, most patients like the feeling of control over the situation. As such, they are allowed to take mild painkillers a few hours before the root canal treatment. Mefenamic acid or ibuprofen are some examples of these drugs that help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Don’t drink and smoke
It’s best not to consume alcoholic drinks for at least 24 hours before your root canal procedure. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, making the process and recovery more difficult. Smoking can also affect the way your body heals on its own, so it’s best to kick the butt a few hours before undergoing the treatment.
5. Eat a healthy meal
You may not be allowed to eat right after your root canal treatment because your whole mouth will still be numb and sensitive. That’s why it’s best to eat a full meal a few hours before you go to the clinic. Make sure to choose nutrient-dense foods to help your body heal faster.
When you finally sit on the dental chair, it’s time to relax. An expert practitioner will put you at ease and make the procedure as pleasant and painless as possible.
If you’re looking for a root canal treatment in Mississauga, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
Dr. Ehab Daas
Meet your doctor
Dr. Ehab is a passionate dentist with 15 years of dental experience. He received his D.D.S in 1997, and has practiced dentistry for 6 years since then. Immediately after that, Dr. Da'as moved to Paris to get his Orthodontics and Prosthodontic diploma's in which he specialized in fixed bridges and crowns. He graduated from France with remarkable achievements in 2005, and went on to work for 9 years, focusing on difficult orthodontics cases and satisfying his ortho patients. Dr. Ehab moved to Canada in 2014 to continue his career, where he is proud and extremely honoured to provide his patients with the highest quality service.
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