Finding out you need a root canal might initially bring with it a sense of anxiety, especially if it is a new experience for you, but let us assure you a root canal is a very straightforward and relatively pain-free experience. Beyond the application of localized anesthesia and some mild irritation and swelling following the procedure, there really isn’t much discomfort to deal with. Compared to the pain you’re already experiencing from the damaged tooth and dead nerve endings within the root system, a root canal will bring on much-needed relief.
But you likely wonder how to prepare for a root canal. What exactly do you need to do to ensure you are ready for the procedure and the recovery after that? Thankfully, it is straightforward, and there isn’t much prep work to do on your part. But, to help address your concerns, here are the basics of preparing for a root canal.
Ask All Your Questions Ahead of Time
The best way to calm your nerves is to address your questions beforehand. Sometimes, if you have questions without professional answers, your mind will instantly think of the worst possible outcome. Or you’ll rush to WebMD and start looking up possible scenarios. This is a recipe for anxiety-fueled disasters. And there is no need to build up your stress levels before the root canal.
Here is the thing. Your root canal is incredibly straightforward. This is especially the case if you go to an endodontist. A professional endodontist will perform a root canal on a daily basis, so they have seen it all and dealt with it all. But, to help calm your nerves, make sure to talk the root canal over with your dental professional. Ask them what is going on, what they are going to do, what to expect, and any other questions you might have. There’s no such thing as a dumb question here.
Additionally, you can call or email the staff if you think of a question after the fact. Some of the questions the team can answer, while other questions the endodontist can address your inquiry. Whatever your concern is, ask ahead of time, as this will help calm your nerves.
Eat Before Your Root Canal
Root Canal isn’t a surgery where the doctor tells you to fast ahead of time. You need to make sure you eat before you go to the dentist or endodontist for your root canal. You need your strength, as it will help prevent you from experiencing light-headedness or a drop in blood sugar. One of the most common problems is when someone comes into the office without eating earlier in the day, and then they fear needles or just a dentist in general. Which will cause their blood sugar to drop, and then they potentially pass out. This can almost always be avoided by eating breakfast in the morning.
Things to Avoid
While you want to eat the night before and the morning of, you need to avoid taking any kind of narcotics or alcohol. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours leading up to your procedure. Ideally, you also need to avoid smoking at this time as well.
If you are on a specific medication, you should consult your doctor to see if you can continue taking the medication (or if you need to continue). It is also important to tell your dentist or other dental professional performing the root canal of your medication. It is necessary to determine whether the medication will interfere (or interact in any way) with the anesthesia.
Talk About Anesthesia Needs
Before heading into the dentist’s office and having the root canal performed, you need to discuss your anesthesia needs with the professionals performing the root canal. You must tell them about any medication you are already taking. However, in addition to informing them about any medications you are taking, you also need to go over if you have any issues with needles, hands in your mouth, or other dental work.
Some people have a genuine fear of hands inside of their mouths. Now, if you are having your own dentist perform the root canal, they probably already know about this concern. During this conversation, you will go over your own needs, and the dentist will discuss what will happen during the procedure.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today
If you have a nagging pain stemming from one of your teeth, there’s a good chance you either have a severe cavity or, more likely than not, a root canal. If you’re not sure if you have a root canal or if you want the issue addressed by a dental professional that specializes in the internal health of teeth, you need to schedule an appointment with a local endodontist.
Here at Southern Endodontic Specialists, it doesn’t matter if your current general practicing dentist has recommended you or if you’re looking for an outside opinion; you will quickly discover the endodontist difference. With state-of-the-art technology designed specifically for root canals, the procedure will be less invasive, which usually means less pain and a faster recovery time. Whatever situation you might find yourself in, when it comes to all things root canals and the internal health of your teeth, you owe it to yourself to schedule an in-person consultation with Southern Endodontic Specialists today.