How to Prepare for Your First Root Canal Procedure 

If you’re dealing with a cavity that has penetrated the pulp of your tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure in Ladysmith to help you save your tooth. The good news is that you can do a few things to ensure that the entire treatment process goes smoothly.  

Tips for Preparing for Your First Root Canal Procedure

Ask Questions

If you have questions ahead of your procedure, be sure to ask them. The more you understand what a root canal entails and what to expect during your recovery period, the less anxious and tense you’ll become.  

Eat a Few Hours Before Your Appointment

Your dentist will inject an anesthetic into your gums during your root canal procedure to numb your mouth. The anesthetic effects will make it challenging for you to eat comfortably for a few hours following your procedure. For this reason, it’s best to have a meal a couple of hours before you step inside the dental office. 

Discuss Antibiotics and Painkillers

Antibiotics work to clear any infection that makes dental procedures more painful than it has to be and lengthens the recovery time. For this reason, you should talk to your dentist about antibiotics as soon as you notice a developing infection.  

Likewise, it’s best to ask your dentist if you should take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen a couple of hours before the treatment starts. These medications will help ease the swelling that may occur around the tooth. Lastly, be sure to let them know if you have allergies so that they can prescribe the right antibiotic and painkiller for you. 

Avoid Consuming Alcohol and Tobacco Before and After the Treatment

You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking for at least 24 hours before your appointment. These substances can change the way your blood flows through your body and cause you to develop an adverse reaction when your dentist injects your gums with a local anesthetic.  

Besides making the treatment more complicated than it should, alcohol and tobacco can also slow down your recovery process.   

Do You Need a Root Canal Procedure in Ladysmith?

At Northwoods Dentistry, we’re proud to offer the latest dental technologies to provide you with the best in-office experience. If you’re ready to brighten your smile and restore your confidence, make an appointment with us today.