Has your dentist told you that you need a root canal treatment? With the advent of technology, the root canal procedure has evolved. It has become comfortable, so you can sit back and relax.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
First, you need to know why this treatment is needed. A root canal is recommended when your tooth is infected by bacteria. This condition is a result of untreated decay. If the decayed tooth is not treated, it may worsen, forming an abscess. That is when many people experience pain. Therefore, it is better to get your teeth treated as soon as possible.
How Should I Prepare Myself?
To make things easy, you need to follow these tips before visiting your dentist for a root canal.
Ask Questions
Ask your dentist about the procedure before it starts. You should know what antibiotics they will use to treat the infection and if any pain medications are recommended. Clear all your doubts before the procedure starts. This will help you relax while your dentist treats your teeth.
Eat a Few Hours before the Procedure
After completing the root canal, your dentist will tell you not to eat anything until the numbing wears off. So you may want to eat a little something before the procedure. Do not forget to brush your teeth after the meal.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol will slow down your recovery process. You need to ensure that you do not smoke or drink alcohol before going to the dentist.
Take Pain Medications
To make your experience more comfortable, you can take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. This will reduce the discomfort before it starts and helps you relax during the procedure.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Now comes the real part – what does the dentist do to your teeth during a root canal? Well, the dentist will apply a little numbing jelly on the gums and then get your tooth numb. After the tooth is numb, you will only feel vibrations when the dentist works on your tooth.
The dentist will clean out all of the infection and then fill the root canal with a sterile dressing. Next, a temporary filling or crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it from breaking.
You need to take good care of your teeth after a root canal. Your dentist will call you for follow-up visits to check the condition of your teeth. A root canal is a simple process; you don’t need to worry about it. If you need more information on this topic, you can consult a dentist at Fenton Family Dental. Visit our website to have a look at our panel of expert dentists.
