Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

Need A Root Canal? 3 Steps To Help You Prepare

25 July 2022

Herman Kim

If you're going in for a root canal, there are some things you'll need to watch for. In most cases, your root canal will heal without any complications at all. But, some root canals develop complications. When they happen, you need to contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you're not sure how to protect your root canal, read the list provided below. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your root canal.

Protect the Tooth Remnant

If your dentist is going to do a root canal on one of your teeth, you might not get the permanent crown installed right away. If that's the case, don't postpone your next dental visit. That's when your permanent crown will get placed on your tooth. While you wait for that appointment, it's important that you protect the tooth remnant. Biting down on hard food or grinding your teeth could result in damage to the remnant. If that happens, there might not be enough of the tooth left for the permanent crown. That means the tooth remnant will need to be extracted. To avoid that, protect the tooth remnant until the permanent crown gets attached. 

Pay Attention to Numbness

If you need to have a root canal, pay attention to numbness. Your dentist will numb your mouth before they start the root canal. But, that numbness will wear off shortly after you leave the office. If your tooth becomes numb, it's important that you contact your dentist right away. This could be a sign that the area around the nerve is inflamed. If that happens, your dentist will need to provide additional treatment to the affected tooth. 

Watch for Root Fractures

If your tooth needs a root canal, you'll still need to protect the root. During a root canal, the pulp is removed from inside your tooth. After that, the tooth is cleaned and filled to prevent further problems. But, the root remains intact. That's why you need to take steps to protect the root. One way to do that is to avoid biting down on anything hard on the affected tooth, even after the crown is in place. If you feel sharp pain when chewing on that tooth, visit your dentist right away. That could be a sign that you've fractured the root. 

Don't take chances with your teeth. Use the tips provided here to get ready for your root canal treatment.

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