Contents:
Medical Video: Endodontic Case - Found Calcium Hydroxide
Dental root canal treatment (also called root canal treatment) is a small surgical procedure that is performed when an infection that causes decay has already killed teeth. During treatment of the root canal, the dentist will remove the pulp and infected nerve fibers from the center of the tooth and fill the pulp cavity. This procedure can prevent infection in the pulp from spreading to other teeth.
The purpose of treating the root canal is to "preserve" rotten teeth, rather than reviving them. Root canal treatment is done because you want or the doctor recommends that you continue to preserve the existence of these dead teeth. Because then you can still use the structure of your old teeth as usual, rather than having to go back and forth to pull out rotten teeth and then put on dentures.
Will tooth root canal treatment hurt?
Many people are shuddering first when they imagine the pain of root canal treatment. In fact, the pain that arises actually comes from infection in the rotten tooth, not from the procedure. The root canal procedure itself does not cause pain. Root canal treatment is precisely done to relieve the pain. The doctor will usually give a local anesthetic to make the area around the damaged tooth numb.
But this does not mean you can just come without careful preparation. Root canal treatment can be a trauma-free dentist experience, especially if you prepare yourself first.
What should be prepared before undergoing dental root canal treatment?
Here are some ways to prepare for your root canal treatment.
1. Consult your doctor about your painkiller
If your teeth are infected, any treatment can cause aches and discomfort in the mouth. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor to clear dental infections, which will help to keep the pain to a minimum. This can also shorten your recovery time later. Medications prescribed by a doctor must be taken at the right time and the right dose, unless instructed otherwise.
Also tell other medicines that you are currently using, including prescription and non-prescription. In general, don't take aspirin for 10 days before treatment. Don't also take painkillers just before your dental root canal treatment schedule to help reduce the pain. This is important because your doctor may need you to show them exactly where your tooth pain is.
If the pain beats so that you need tranquilizers, you may take non-narcotic analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen a few hours before and after treatment. Consult your doctor for further information.
2. Don't smoke or drink alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before your dental root canal treatment schedule and 48 hours later. Also avoid smoking 24 hours before and 72 hours after dental root canal treatment. Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow healing time and may cause complications. In addition, the sensation of being drunk that might still come upon you can actually make the discomfort during the procedure multiply.
3. Enough for your food intake
There are no special dietary restrictions before your treatment schedule, unless the doctor recommends that you be anesthetized via IV. If yes, ask your doctor further about what you should and should not eat before and after your root canal treatment.
If you are just anesthetized locally, it's okay to eat as large as usual before the schedule for dental root canal treatment (if you feel comfortable), or at least a filling snack to block the stomach. If your mouth is numbed under local anesthesia during this procedure, you may not be able to eat for several hours until the numbness sensation disappears.
You also need to eat soft foods and soup for the first few days of recovery. Avoid foods that are hard, chewy and / or sticky after returning from the dentist. As much as possible avoid also to chew on the side of the mouth where the root canal of the tooth is removed.
4. Wear casual clothes
Before going to the doctor, make sure to wear casual, comfortable and loose clothes. This procedure may take a long time so you want to be as comfortable as possible feeling at home sitting for long in the patient's chair. As much as possible use white or bright clothing because some doctors may use sodium hypochlorite (bleach) as an irrigation agent. Also avoid using thick makeup during this procedure.
Upon returning from the doctor after undergoing dental root canal treatment, increase rest and avoid burdensome physical activity. Position the head higher than the heart when lying down.
