Prepare For A Root Canal

You don’t need to do much to prepare for a root canal procedure. Depending on the type of sedation you’re having, you might need to avoid eating just before your appointment, and you might need someone to drive you home. Let us know about any medications you’re taking prior to your exam. Most root canals take an hour or less to complete.

At Modern Age Dentistry, we offer several options to prevent pain and keep you relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. Local anesthetic typically is sufficient to block any pain during the procedure, and we can also offer sedative options to help you relax if you’re really nervous about your treatment. Once your root canal procedure is finished, you might have some discomfort once the local numbing agent wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be very helpful, and you can also apply ice to your cheek to reduce soreness and inflammation. Unless you’ve had a sedative, you’ll be able to return to your regular routine afterward, but you might want to take the day off to relax.

Root canal therapy is a safe, effective treatment that can help you preserve your beautiful smile.

Root Canal 101:

Sometimes when you get a cavity, it’s the more superficial layers of your tooth that are affected. And in those cases, once the decayed portion is removed, a “regular” filling is typically a good option. But other times, the decay can extend much farther into the central “pulp” portion of your tooth, where the tooth nerves are found. In the “old” days, that typically meant pulling the tooth and leaving you with an unsightly gap (as well as an increased risk of future tooth loss). But today, root canal therapy can help you keep your tooth by using techniques designed to reach deep into the central pulp portion to remove decay and infected tissue.

After the damaged tissue is removed, the cavity is filled with a special “rubbery” material, then sealed and usually topped off with a crown. Why the crown? For a couple of reasons. First, after a root canal, your tooth can be weaker than normal. The crown provides additional protection and strength, which is especially important to help your tooth withstand the pressures of biting and chewing. And second, once the pulp is gone, your tooth will probably become discolored and dark. A crown can be tinted to match your neighboring teeth so the tooth blends in and looks healthy and sound.

At Smiles For Health we offer cosmetic dentistry services so you can smile with confidence. Call today to schedule your appointment!