Posted on Mar 30, 2015
Tooth extraction is a scenario that many dentists want to avoid, and root canals make it possible for many people with severely damaged teeth to keep their smiles intact. If your dentist has detected that your toothache is actually an infected tooth, he might recommend a
root canal in Belmont. Much like a filling procedure, a root canal removes damaged tooth and tissue, cleans the infected area, and fortifies it with a restorative device such as a dental crown. To ensure that your procedure and post-treatment recovery period go as smoothly as possible, keep in mind these suggestions:
Addressing Discomfort
In the days leading to your procedure, you likely won’t have to do much preparation. However, if you are suffering from a toothache because of your tooth infection, talk to your dentist about appropriate pain relief aids. Your dentist might advise that you stay away from medications that can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding during your procedure. You can also discuss with your dentist sedation dentistry options while you get your root canal. To ensure your comfort, your dentist can give you oral medication to relax your mind and body.
Cleaning Your Tooth
Keeping your tooth clean is important both before and after your root canal. The infections that cause toothaches often occur because of tooth decay. This decay typically develops when bacteria has the chance to accumulate on your teeth and weaken their enamel surfaces. Especially after your procedure, your dentist may want to go over proper brushing and flossing techniques that can keep your tooth clean without aggravating sensitive tissues.
Adjusting Your Diet
You might also want to consult your dentist about your diet in the days following your root canal. Some foods can become easily trapped around your treated tooth, or they may be tough to chew. Your dentist might recommend eating only soft foods for a few days so that your tooth has the chance to heal. If you must wait to get your permanent crown, it becomes all the more important that you avoid contamination of your tooth. As the inflammation around your tooth lessens, though, you can eventually return to your normal diet.
