Do you experience teeth sensitivity when eating meals at extreme temperatures? If yes, you could have an abscessed tooth. This dental concern occurs when tooth decay exposes the inner part of a tooth to infection. Infected pulp usually triggers persistent pain, which holds the quality of your life hostage. The good news is that root canal treatments from advanced dentistry can help you remove the infected pulp to save your teeth. Although mentioning a root canal may send chills down your spine, preparing adequately for the procedure will help ease anxiety. Here are tips to prepare for root canal treatment.
Ask Questions
Individuals seeking the root canal for the first time could be unsure of what to expect. List the important questions on a single leaf and present them to the general dentist before the procedure. For example, you can ask about how long the procedure will take. Your dentist will be ready to give you all the necessary answers. Making inquiries help alleviate restlessness and prove to the dentist that you are ready for the success of a root canal.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking has many detrimental effects on your health. For example, cigarette constituents can obstruct blood flow. This instance will limit the nutrients and oxygen from reaching the treated area, thus retarding healing processes. In addition, smoking can weaken your immune system, exposing the treated teeth to infection. The best way to minimize these concerns is to skip cigarette smoking months before and after an appointment.
Take Pain Medications
Depending on the extent of the pain, the dentist can recommend over-the-counter medications. Get these drugs at least one day before the procedure to avoid moving around during treatment day. These medications will help to minimize any inflammation that you could have in your mouth before the root canal. Also, they help to alleviate pain during the procedure. Ensure you take the correct prescription of these medications and inform your dentist whether you have an allergic response.
Sleep Well
Good sleep is essential for your overall health. Essentially, it ensures that your body processes such as brain functioning, run smoothly. Optimal brain functioning will help alleviate any anxiety you could have before root canal therapy. In addition, a night of quality sleep helps to recharge your immune system. Therefore, sleeping for at least eight hours the night before and after root canal therapy is vital for your mental health and smooth recovery.
Eat Beforehand
The dentist will numb the infected tooth to lower discomfort during root canal therapy. However, the effects of the numbing agents do not always recede immediately after the procedure. With numbness, eating can be difficult, and you may risk biting your tongue. That is why your dentist will advise you to eat healthy meals a few hours before your appointment. Nutritious food choices will also boost your recovery.
You will be prone to teeth sensitivity and pain when you have damaged teeth. Fortunately, root canal treatment can help remove and replace the infected pulp with fillings. This way, you alleviate the pain while safeguarding your tooth from permanent tooth loss. If you anticipate this procedure, you should suspend smoking to avoid prolonged recovery. Taking the right prescription of pain medications before the root canal procedure will help ease inflammation in the infected tooth. Further, it would help if you ate a healthy meal before the procedure to boost your immune system for a smooth recovery.
