Whether you think you may need a root canal or you’ve just been told that you do, the idea and the process can be a bit frightening. While any kind of dental procedure is bound to cause a bit of discomfort, it’s nothing compared to the ongoing discomfort of tooth pain. You can be as prepared as possible both mentally and physically to tackle your root canal experience head on, which will make the whole process much easier for you and everyone involved.
You may have a lot of questions for your dentist when the time comes for you to go in for the procedure, and while you still probably will have a few regarding your specific situation, you can make sure you’re prepared going in. That way, you feel a little more calm, at ease and in the know.
1. When Do You Need a Root Canal?
While many things can cause tooth decay which results in the need for a root canal, a root canal will usually become necessary at the point of irreversible pulpitis, which is when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed and infected beyond the point of healing. Usually, this will cause tooth pain, swollen gums, loosening of the tooth, deep cavities and headaches. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it could be a signal that you need a root canal.
Irreversible pulpitis can come as a result of any number of things — from injury to poor dental hygiene. Sometimes, patients don’t even know they need a root canal until their dentist says something. Everyone is different, and it’s always best to listen to trusted professionals.
2. What Is a Root Canal?
The root canal itself is the process of drilling a hole in the tooth to remove diseased enamel, dentin and pulp from the tooth. The goal is to retain as much of the original tooth as possible without risking further infection. After the hole is drilled and the infected tissue is removed, the space is smoothed and filled. After the filling, the tooth is either topped with a temporary filling or left open to drain. Usually, the dentist will use local anesthesia and numb the area to make the procedure easier and less painful.
3. Asking Questions
It’s important to understand why you need the root canal and get a gauge of all of your options. If your dentist hasn’t told you, you can always ask why your tooth has irreversible pulpitis in the first place so you can prevent that kind of tooth decay in the future. It also might be worth your while to inquire about all of your options. Asking if you should go to a specialist, if you should get an extraction and implant instead of a root canal and inquiring about how likely the infection is to spread are all great questions that could lead you to the best treatment that’s right for you.
4. The Procedure
The procedure itself can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes at most. Although there may be some discomfort, you’ll likely be under local anesthesia and numbing in the area, so the pain will be manageable. A root canal isn’t like a typical oral surgery in that you will be awake for the whole procedure. This means that in most cases, you’ll be fine to drive yourself home as soon as it’s over.
5. Eat and Rest Before the Procedure
Since the procedure involves numbing the mouth, it’s a good idea to eat a few hours beforehand, as the mouth may be numb and sore for hours afterwards. Eating before your root canal can also help you to feel energized and comfortable going into the procedure so you can sit well. The same can be said for making sure you get a full night’s sleep and arrive to your appointment well rested. Fatigue can make discomfort even worse than it needs to be, so sleep both before and after will help you prepare and eventually heal at your best.
6. Aftercare
Pain, soreness and discomfort following a root canal is normal, as it is a major oral procedure. For the first few days, you may feel lingering numbness, discomfort and soreness, though it should subside. You can take ibuprofen or other painkillers to manage the discomfort in addition to eating soft foods and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
7. Practicing Oral Hygiene
After your root canal, it’s critical to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day to prevent further infections. While it’s important to be gentle around sensitive areas, cleaning will ensure oral health and help quicken the recovery process. Make sure you go in for any follow up appointments and continue to see your dentist every six months.
Ready to Heal
While root canals can seem like a scary procedure, they exist to help relieve you of pain, get rid of infections and keep your teeth strong and healthy. And as long as you keep up with your oral health going forward, you probably won’t need another one anytime soon.
