What you Should Know Before Getting a Root Canal
Root canal: just hearing this word may send chills down the spine to all those patients that fear the dentist. Perhaps, the most feared treatment of all dental procedures, its like if almost everybody has a horror story to tell. If your dentist has just recently told you that you need a root canal, very likely you may feel a bit worried and concerned if this is the very first time. However, no need to worry, times have changed and modern dentistry is here once and for all, to help all the cowards that hate sitting in '' the chair''.
What You Should Know Before Getting a Root Canal
-Root Canals are Faster
While years ago a root canal was done in 2-3 settings requiring multiple appointments, today they can be easily done all in one appointment. Front teeth can generally be done even under an hour, while molars may take up to 2 hours. Of course, the lenght also depends on various other factors such as the extension of the work, how collaborative the patient is, and how fast the dentist works.
-Root Canals are no Longer Painful
Nowadays, the only pain felt in most cases, is just the prick of the needle delivering the Novocaine. In the remote event that one would feel pain during the procedure, dentists can give a further anesthetic injection that will numb it up. However, most people report that they feel nothing and some eventually even nod off only to wake up when they are done.
-Dental Raincoats
During a root canal you may be required to wear a type of mask called a rubber dam. This is a protective piece of rubber that is clamped to the tooth and keeps it dry and clean, isolated from the bacteria found in saliva. This also protects the patient from aspiring the caustic bleach that may be used to clean and disinfect the area.
-Report your medications
Root canal is a type of surgery, so it is best that you let your dentist always know about all the medications you are taking. You should tell your dentist upfront if you have been taking aspirin or any anticoagulant drugs because these may interfere with blood clotting causing prolonged bleeding and potential swelling.
-After Care
While the root canal procedure is painless in most cases, once the anesthesia wears off, it is not unusual to feel pain, This pain may be moderate and in some cases even severe. It usually subsides after a couple of days. Warm rinses with salted water may be helpful. Ask you dentist about what type of pain medication you should take if this would be the scenario.
-Consult with the Specialists
If you are concerned about your root canal consult with an endodontist which are the root canal specialists par excellence. These guys do root canals on a daily basis and they have seen them all.
Root canals no longer need to be feared. If you are a coward, cheer up, as very likely once out of the dentist's office you will smile at how insignificant the procedure was. Many people state that a root canal nowadays, almost feel like getting a filling or even better.
