“You will need a root canal” – the five words that we all dread hearing. The idea of having root canal treatment might seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, sometimes a root canal can be painful, but that’s only if the dentist doesn’t know what they are doing.
If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, it’s important to get the procedure booked in as soon as you can. It might be a frightening prospect, but if you want your teeth, and beautiful smile, to be saved, it’s necessary.
To help make the process of getting a root canal treatment a little less daunting, here’s our guide to everything that you need to know:
It shouldn’t be painful
The main reason people worry about getting a root canal treatment is because they have heard that it can be painful. Ten years ago that might have been the case, but today it should be a painful experience. The worst part is getting the shot to numb your mouth, after that, the procedure should cause you very little pain.
You may feel a little discomfort, but as long as you choose a reputable dentist, that should be it. If you don’t feel comfortable with the dentist that you have now, shop around and swap to a new one.
If you are anxious, tell your dentist
If you are anxious about undergoing the treatment, make sure to tell your dentist how you are feeling. By letting him or her know how you feel, you can ensure that throughout the treatment, your dentist is sensitive to how you are feeling.
Don’t stress about the cost
Okay, the root canal cost can be high. However, there is no need to stress about it. There are lots of options when it comes to paying for a root canal treatment, including monthly payment plans.
So if the cost of the treatment is a problem, chat to your dentist, and they should be able to come up with a solution. Don’t let the cost of a root canal put you off of getting it, as otherwise the problem will only get worse and cost more to treat.
It will only take one or two appointments
Today, with modern medical equipment, root canals can be performed in just one or two sessions. As long as there are no complications, your root canal treatment should take no longer than two hours.
You will need to take painkillers afterward
After you have had the treatment, you will be in a small amount of pain. This discomfort is usually caused by inflammation around the tooth and will soon go away. However, while the tooth is healing you may need to take painkillers to help control the soreness.
The best painkillers to take are ibuprofen, as these not only stop the pain but also reduce the inflammation. Over the counter painkillers are ideal for this, so don’t forget to pick some up after your treatment.
Getting a root canal can be scary. However, it doesn’t have to be, as long as you choose a good dentist, your treatment can be painless.
