How to Prepare for a Root Canal

If you’ve just been told by your dentist that you need a root canal, your mind might be swarming with questions. There are several things to keep in mind when preparing for a root canal. By making sure you’re ready for this procedure and increasing your understanding of the circumstances under which your dentist has recommended one, you’ll ease into the procedure with confidence and come out ready to move on with your life.

Ask Questions

When a root canal is scheduled in your honor, you may start to have a lot of questions. Don’t hesitate to ask them. Some of the most important information to understand includes whether or not a root canal is absolutely necessary and whether or not you should get an implant instead. Your dentist has the answers to those questions.

Know Your Options

It’s usually a more streamlined option to get a root canal than to have your entire tooth removed and replaced by an implant. If an implant is a better option for you, however, it’s important to know your options and to understand what’s recommended by your dentist and why. If you’re unsure whether a root canal is the way you want to go, ask your dentist for more details on the pros and cons of each option.

Understand the Procedure

Anytime you’re going in for a procedure in which your mouth will be stretched open for a few hours, you’ll probably want to learn as much as you can about what’s going on in there. A root canal procedure involves clearing away infected tissue from the middle of your tooth without going to the trouble of completely removing the tooth. When a tooth is dead, it’s imperative that the old tissue inside the tooth be removed to prevent the occurrence of or spreading of infection.

Leaving the tooth to rot in your mouth would cause a host of complications. That’s why the root canal must happen quickly after the decision is made. Once the tooth is cleaned out, you’ll also need a crown. If you have questions about what to expect during your procedure, express your concerns to your dentist.

No matter what caused your need for a root canal, it’s always best to be prepared for the procedure. You can prepare yourself by becoming educated on what you can expect and by asking your dentist a variety of questions to help you understand your options.