An upcoming root canal procedure might cause stress and anxiety to some people. In this article, we talk about how to prepare for root canal treatment to make the procedure and recovery smooth and stress-free.
How to Prepare for Root Canal Treatment
Here are some practical steps we recommend taking to help you prepare for your root canal procedure:
Remember the Benefits of the Procedure to Relieve Anxiety
Concentrating on the positive outcomes of your upcoming procedure can help you significantly relieve stress and anxiety. Keep in mind that root canal therapy will benefit you in multiple ways:
- The pain you most likely experience due to tooth decay will go away after the procedure.
- Root canal therapy will allow you to save your tooth from extraction. Thus, you will not need to have such complicated procedures as dental implants in the future.
- The procedure will prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and the jaw bone.
- By eliminating infection in the mouth, root canal therapy will benefit the health of your entire body.
Ask Questions During the Initial Consultation with Your Doctor
Typically, we only fear something if we do not have sufficient information about it. Thus, do not hesitate to ask your dentist if there is anything you want to know about the procedure or recovery. Receiving answers and clarifications will help you feel more prepared and calmer during the procedure.
Ask Your Doctor About Sedation
If you have a high tolerance to local anesthetic, experience acute dental anxiety, or find it challenging to remain in the same position for the duration of the procedure, ask your doctor about sedation options. Modern dentistry offers such options as IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide sedation.
If you are going to have one of the sedation options during your root canal procedure, you might need to arrange transportation for yourself. Such sedation methods as IV and oral sedation will make you feel drowsy and unable to drive after the procedure.
Additionally, some sedation methods require a fasting period before they can be administered. Ask your dentist if you can eat before sedation in your case.
Have a Good Meal Before the Procedure
If you are going to have only local anesthetic for your root canal treatment, we recommend eating well 1 or 2 hours before the procedure. You will not be able to have a meal right after the procedure since your mouth will be numb for some hours due to the effect of the anesthetic.
Plan Your Meals for the Recovery Period
It is recommended to adhere to a liquid diet on the first day after the procedure and then to continue with a soft diet for the next several days. We recommend acquiring the necessary groceries and preparing meals for a couple of days prior to the procedure. Examples of the meals you might opt for include:
- Broths and pureed soups
- Milkshakes
- Yogurt
- Soft-boiled vegetables or pureed vegetables (for example, mashed potatoes)
- Cottage cheese
- Soft cutlets
- Soft bread without seeds
- Omelet, soft-boiled eggs, or egg salad
When planning your meals, make sure that your diet is balanced and full of vitamins and minerals to help your body regenerate more quickly.
Prepare Necessary Medication
You might experience slight pain or soreness for a couple of days after the root canal treatment. Get over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, ahead of time to eliminate the need to go to a pharmacy after the procedure.
Additionally, we recommend acquiring ice packs that will help you alleviate swelling that might occur in the first days after the procedure.
Take Some Time off Work and Sports Activities and Try to Get Restful Sleep
Since your body will require plenty of rest to regenerate, we recommend having a full night’s sleep before and after the procedure. Also, it is advisable to take one or two days off work to minimize physical activity and to allow some time for swelling to subside. You should also avoid sports and similar strenuous activities for at least 7 days after the procedure.
Cancel Parties for the Duration of the Recovery Period
Parties and gatherings often require staying up late and consuming alcohol and nicotine, which can significantly slow down regeneration. We recommend abstaining from these to allow your body to heal.
Make an Appointment for a Root Canal Treatment at Dentistry Riverside
Do not postpone making an appointment with an experienced dentist at Dentistry Riverside for a root canal treatment. Remember that postponing the procedure can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, and other general health-related issues. We are looking forward to helping you restore your oral health.