Saving your natural tooth may not be on top of your thoughts when struggling with a severe toothache, swollen gums, and sensitivity. Such concerns do not mean a tooth extraction is inevitable. Museum District root canal treatment can help address the symptoms without losing your natural tooth. Root canal treatment seems painful at face value, considering the drilling to access the pulp chamber and nerves and pulp removal. Nonetheless, modern root canal treatment employs advanced technology, and many patients report only a sting during the anesthetic injection. Among the measures you can take to make root canal treatment smooth and successful includes:
Eat before the procedure
A root canal treatment includes an anesthetic to numb your mouth and minimize pain and discomfort. This means you are unlikely to eat comfortably after the treatment. Eating a few hours before the procedure is recommended to ensure your body has the energy and nutrients to facilitate recovery. Besides eating, it helps if you stock up on foods to eat after the numbing subsides. Soft and cool foods that require minimal or no chewing are ideal.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Alcohol makes your mouth dry and affects blood flow, which can complicate the procedure and derail the recovery. Tobacco also impacts blood flow, affecting your body’s ability to heal. Avoid alcohol and tobacco use at least 24 hours before and after root canal treatment. This can help avoid complications and speed up recovery.
Medication
Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen before the procedure. This is to help alleviate inflammation and swelling for better treatment progress. After the procedure, the dentist may also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Taking pain medication is essential to help alleviate the mental and physical load that could derail recovery. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you are at high risk of infection. If infected, you will likely be in more pain and discomfort, slowing the healing. Talk to your dentist if you develop symptoms like fever, pus, abscess, and swelling that could indicate an infection.
Quality rest
A good night’s sleep before the root canal treatment helps ensure your body is in great shape for the procedure. You should also plan to take it easy at least 48 hours after the treatment. Schedule the procedure when you can take some time off your routine. It also helps if you arrange a ride home and some assistance at home to relax. Quality rest gives your body a break needed for better healing. This allows you to realize smooth healing and optimal root canal treatment results.
Root canal treatment offers a lot that can help address dental problems while saving your natural tooth. While it might seem overwhelming, gathering as much information from your dentist can help demystify myths and misconceptions that do not paint the best image of root canal treatments. Preserving your natural tooth is essential as you strive to improve dental function and your dazzling smile, making the root canal an ideal treatment. Contact Anna M. Munné, DDS, PA & ASSOCIATES, today for more on root canal treatment.
