5 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Root Canal

Are you preparing for a root canal? Getting a root canal looks scary on TV, but in reality, it’s a common dental procedure for bad cavities. Maybe you’re looking for dental clinics to seek treatment like the cosmetic dentist in chesapeake. Millions of root canal procedures happen every year.

We’re here to talk about a few things that you should keep in mind during the root canal preparation process so you can arrive prepared. Read on to learn more.

• The Cost

For many people, the cost of dental treatment is the key factor when it comes to whether or not they’re going to seek it out. Many people let their teeth continue hurting and getting worse due to the cost of dental care (even if they have health insurance which usually doesn’t cover dental).

Before you get a root canal, make sure that you ask the dentist or their front desk helpers how much it’s going to cost you. Many dental practices won’t tell you the cost until the procedure is over. This can result in a nasty surprise later on.

Ask if the dentist’s office accepts your insurance (if applicable). It’s a good idea to contact the insurance company as well just so you can be sure.

If they don’t accept your insurance, or you don’t have dental insurance at all, ask about payment plans or loyalty plans. Some dental offices will offer discounts to customers that pay a yearly fee.

While a root canal procedure is necessary in order to save your tooth and improve your dental health, you shouldn’t put yourself into debt to get it.

• Sedation Options

All dentists will offer you sedation options when it’s time for your root canal treatment. Root canals aren’t as scary as they look on television, but they can still be painful. After all, the dentist will be digging out all of the inflamed pulp from inside your tooth, and that pulp has nerves.

Root canals can also be anxiety-inducing. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you may start to panic from the idea of the procedure itself or from the loud noises that the drills make.

Talk to your dentist about whether or not they offer specific sedation options aside from a local anesthetic. The local anesthetic will numb the area so you don’t feel any pain, but the other sedation options can keep you calm.

Most dentists will offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to anxious patients. While you’ll still be awake for the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain and you won’t be “aware” of what’s going on. It will likely feel as though the procedure goes by in a matter of minutes.

You may also be able to get an IV sedative or a sedative pill. The pill will calm you down, but you’ll still be awake. The IV sedative may make you fall asleep entirely.

Always discuss your anxiety with your dentist so they can help you find the right sedation method for your procedure.

• Aftercare Procedures

After your root canal treatment, you’re going to feel numb. Soreness might not start for a few hours because you have to wait for the local anesthetic to wear off.

Even if you’re not feeling any pain, you need to consider aftercare so you don’t end up damaging your tooth.

Your dentist will discuss aftercare with you, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind before the procedure even starts. First: you’re going to want to avoid any foods that could damage the tooth or hurt your gums on the day of the treatment.

Take an over-the-counter painkiller when your anesthetic starts to wear off. This will get rid of inflammation, swelling, and soreness. You can also rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.

Having a bit of sensitivity is normal at first. Over-the-counter pain medication should be more than enough to handle it. If you experience serious sensitivity or pain, contact your dentist.

You can get back to your normal activities right after your root canal, but if you used a sedation method that made you drowsy, you may want to relax for the rest of the day.

• How To Prevent Future Root Canal Treatments

No one wants to have a root canal. You needed a root canal treatment because a cavity got out of hand. Talk to your dentist about cavity prevention so you can prevent this from happening again.

Make sure that you’re brushing your teeth at least twice per day. If you’re prone to cavities, talk to your dentist about getting a prescription-strength toothpaste. This is also going to help you while you’re in the recovery process for your root canal.

Make sure that you’re flossing at least once per day and that your diet isn’t too heavy in acid or sugar.

For further tips, talk to your local dentist at Mavis Bristol Dental.

• Procedure Preparation

Preparing for a root canal procedure is no big deal if you’ve already had other types of dental procedures done.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before. This will help get rid of some of your pre-procedure anxiety and it will ensure that you arrive at your appointment on time.

Ask your dentist about whether or not you’ll need to bring someone along with you depending on your sedation method. Some sedation methods will require you to have a responsible driver to take you home.

You may also have to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. Again, talk to your dentist about more details.

Prepare soft foods for you to eat when you get back home. Preparing them ahead of time will help you out later when you’re feeling too sore or uncomfortable to cook.

Getting A Root Canal? Don’t Worry

Getting a root canal is a common procedure. You have nothing to worry about. Keep these factors in mind before you visit your local dentist and you’ll heal up in no time.

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