You've been having severe pain in a tooth. A quick visit to the dentist confirms that you will require a root canal. But you would like to know a little more about the procedure. Is there anything you have to do to prepare for a root canal?
Let's Find Out
What Is a Root Canal?
Every tooth contains a nerve which keeps the tooth alive. When food particles stick to the tooth surface, it causes the outer covering of the tooth (enamel) to decay. The decay then spreads inward and finally reaches the nerve. As the nerve is a living structure, the decay actually causes an infection that can be quite painful. Patients have complained of severe radiating pain that can cause headaches, jaw aches, and even neck aches. The only solution to the problem is to excavate the nerve and let the infection drain out the tooth. This process is known as a root canal. Once the infection subsides, the tooth is filled up and covered with a metal cap.
Preparing for a Root Canal
Your dentist will definitely tell you how to prepare for a root canal but here are a few general tips that should help you prepare for the procedure.
• You will be prescribed a medication (antibiotic and painkiller) before the procedure. Make sure you take the medication before and after the treatment to control any problems.
• The root canal cape girardeau treatment will take anywhere from one hour to two hours per sitting. Wear comfortable light-colored clothing during the procedure.
• Several different chemicals are used the procedure. Make sure you inform the dentist if you have allergies to materials like sodium hypocholorite, hydrogen peroxide, zinc oxide, eugenol, etc. as these materials are used during the procedure.
• Avoid chewing or putting any load on the tooth undergoing treatment.
• Sleep with your head in an elevated position especially if you have a swelling in the area. Try to avoid putting pressure on the swollen area.
• Do not put hot or cold packs on the affected/treatment tooth.
• Most patients have pain 17 to 24 hours after the procedure.
• You may require one sitting, two sittings or three sittings for the root canal. Your dentist will judge the condition of the tooth and decide the number of sittings required.
• You will be given a local anesthetic/ general anesthetic to make the procedure painless. Please make sure you discuss any of your fears/allergies with the dentist before the procedure.
• You will experience mild pain and a dull ache during treatment and after treatment as the tooth and its underlying infection resolves slowly due to treatment. Flare-ups or sudden surges of pain are also possible. For more info visit: http://www.fox-familydental.com/
Make sure you discuss the procedure with your dentist before you proceed. Your dentist will share his emergency number with you and you should call him in case you have a sudden flare-up or if you experience severe pain. Please remember to take the medications even if you are comfortable post-procedure.
What Is a Root Canal?
Every tooth contains a nerve which keeps the tooth alive. When food particles stick to the tooth surface, it causes the outer covering of the tooth (enamel) to decay. The decay then spreads inward and finally reaches the nerve. As the nerve is a living structure, the decay actually causes an infection that can be quite painful. Patients have complained of severe radiating pain that can cause headaches, jaw aches, and even neck aches. The only solution to the problem is to excavate the nerve and let the infection drain out the tooth. This process is known as a root canal. Once the infection subsides, the tooth is filled up and covered with a metal cap.
Preparing for a Root Canal
Your dentist will definitely tell you how to prepare for a root canal but here are a few general tips that should help you prepare for the procedure.
• You will be prescribed a medication (antibiotic and painkiller) before the procedure. Make sure you take the medication before and after the treatment to control any problems.
• The root canal cape girardeau treatment will take anywhere from one hour to two hours per sitting. Wear comfortable light-colored clothing during the procedure.
• Several different chemicals are used the procedure. Make sure you inform the dentist if you have allergies to materials like sodium hypocholorite, hydrogen peroxide, zinc oxide, eugenol, etc. as these materials are used during the procedure.
• Avoid chewing or putting any load on the tooth undergoing treatment.
• Sleep with your head in an elevated position especially if you have a swelling in the area. Try to avoid putting pressure on the swollen area.
• Most patients have pain 17 to 24 hours after the procedure.
• You may require one sitting, two sittings or three sittings for the root canal. Your dentist will judge the condition of the tooth and decide the number of sittings required.
• You will be given a local anesthetic/ general anesthetic to make the procedure painless. Please make sure you discuss any of your fears/allergies with the dentist before the procedure.
• You will experience mild pain and a dull ache during treatment and after treatment as the tooth and its underlying infection resolves slowly due to treatment. Flare-ups or sudden surges of pain are also possible. For more info visit: http://www.fox-familydental.com/
Make sure you discuss the procedure with your dentist before you proceed. Your dentist will share his emergency number with you and you should call him in case you have a sudden flare-up or if you experience severe pain. Please remember to take the medications even if you are comfortable post-procedure.