There are many things that painkillers cannot heal and soothe, and one of them is an infected and decayed tooth. Initially, you might have thought that it is just a minor pain. But it has persisted, and you might have noticed that you are starting to give off a stinky breath. When this happens, there is a great chance that the case has progressed. This is why you need to have yourself checked immediately.
A dentist or endodontist may recommend you to undergo root canal treatment. In such cases, it is the best solution. However, the procedure is often feared, thinking that it is going to be elaborate and painful. This impression usually comes from people who have misunderstood the entire procedure.
Before you go to a clinic, you need to know what to expect and have an idea of what will be done. Below are some of those, as verified by leading providers of dental care services in Meridian and other parts of Idaho:
Talk to your dentist
This is the first thing you should do if you want to prepare yourself for the operation. An in-depth conversation is necessary to find out if you are ready for the procedure. Your dentist may even perform another checkup to gauge your suitability. They may also give you details on how the procedure will go. That way, you will not fear what is to come on the day of the operation. Also, your dentist may give you some tips on adjustments and medication.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself should always come first, especially at times like these. When you take care of yourself, your body will be able to withstand the pain of the procedure. More importantly, it will recover faster than expected.
What you should do is to avoid bad habits that may worsen your condition. For instance, stop smoking and do not indulge in sugar-laden treats, as sugar is the main food of bacteria. Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and do not stress yourself.
Medicate properly
After the procedure, you should get the medications your dentist and doctor have prescribed. You will be surely asked to take antibiotics. Take these meds properly, so you will be able to kill the remaining bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria may cause infection to the wound, thus worsening your condition.
More importantly, do not skip your medication. Do not stop taking your meds unless your dentist has told you so. Never self-medicate, as it can be dangerous.
Prepare for some adjustments
There will be a few, temporary lifestyle adjustments that you will need to make. For one, you may turn to a soft diet, especially if your teeth cannot withstand the mechanical force of chewing. Also, you may need to avoid contact sports, as these activities may cause trauma to the affected area.
These are only some of the things to keep in mind before going to your root canal treatment. Knowing what to expect helps you make the necessary adjustments.
