A root canal treatment can seem like an insurmountable process to get through, but if you know what you’re in for and what can cause the most pain, you can help the experience go as smoothly as possible. By knowing how to ensure a successful root canal treatment, you can not only avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort; but you’ll also ensure that your tooth remains healthy and strong after you visit the dentist. Here are the top five steps to follow on your road to recovery from your root canal treatment.
Use Numbing Medicine
# Step 1: The dentist uses topical anesthesia, typically from an injection at the site of the tooth being treated or through numbing cream, to numb your tooth and the surrounding area. # Step 2: Next, the dentist will clean out all of the nerve tissue inside your tooth by removing blood, plaque, and bacteria using tiny files and water flushes. # Step 3: To provide an extra layer of protection against future decay, the dentist will often place antibiotic drops in your empty tooth cavity before filling it with a sealant material. # Note: You may have discomfort during this process, but if you feel extreme pain while numbed up with lidocaine (or another local anesthetic), let your dental team know!
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
To have a good outcome, your oral hygiene routine is crucial. Brushing and flossing regularly will keep bacteria from gathering on your teeth and gums which can lead to inflammation and disease. When you brush your teeth, try using fluoride toothpaste like Colgate or Crest and make sure you don’t skimp on brushing – spend at least two minutes per brushing! After every meal, it’s important to use dental floss between the teeth and under the gumline. This helps rinse away particles of food that might be left in the cavity.
Dental visits should be made every six months with either a hygienist or dentist.
Get Pre-Treatment Instructions And Information
Dentists recommend that patients avoid eating, drinking, and brushing their teeth before their appointment. This will allow the dentist to examine your mouth more easily. Sitting in a chair with your chin resting on the dental mirror, open your mouth and relax as much as you can so the dentist can do their work. The dentist may numb your gum or tooth with either topical anesthetic (a cream) or general anesthesia (a pill). Patients may feel pressure while they are working on a tooth. Be aware that the teeth next to the cavity will also be treated if they are not infected or need any kind of repair due to neglect by the patient. The dental assistant may clean excess saliva from around your mouth with gauze pads every 15 minutes during treatment.
Know What To Expect From Your Dentist During The Procedure
Before the procedure, your dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and show you diagrams or pictures of what they’re going on inside. The dentist then removes any decay or bacteria around the tooth and shapes the chamber, which is where food goes when it enters your mouth. They seal off any openings with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. Lastly, they fill in any extra space with sterile cotton-like material, place cement on top, and seal off all of the entryways with rubber or plastic covers called crowns. The process can take anywhere from 45 minutes up to an hour depending on the severity of damage to your tooth.
Take Medication As Directed
As far as at-home treatments go, using antibiotic mouthwash can provide relief from the infection. It should also be used during the waiting period until the procedure takes place. If you have dental insurance, contact your provider and they may cover the cost of antibiotics. One way that people may seek relief is by taking antibiotics prescribed by their dentist or another medical professional. The next step involves waiting for symptoms to pass and filling up pain relievers. You’ll want to consult with your doctor if you’re in any pain while they are trying to determine whether or not you should get a filling rather than do a root canal right away.
