6 Questions to Ask Your Endodontist Before Your Procedure

Tooth decay and other dental problems don’t always result in the need for a tooth extraction. Endodontic procedures, such as root canal treatment, provide a way to save your natural teeth and repair damage. Since these types of procedures require endodontists to perform repairs inside your teeth, you might feel nervous or unsure about what to expect. The following information can help you feel more at ease when you need to have a root canal or other endodontic procedure done.

Common Questions Before Endodontic Procedures

Your endodontist will have a consultation with you to go over the details of your procedure. This provides you with an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns you have. Some of the questions you should ask include the following:

• Is a root canal or other endodontic procedure necessary? Your endodontist can explain to you why this type of procedure is needed in order to treat an infection and save your tooth.
• What should I do before my procedure? Knowing what to do and what not to do can help ensure that you’re prepared for your procedure.
• Will I need any additional treatment after my endodontic procedure? Depending on the condition of your tooth, you might need to have a crown put on it.
• What happens during my procedure? Your endodontist can explain how your procedure will be done.
• How should I take care of my tooth or teeth after my procedure? It’s important to know how to care for your tooth or teeth so that they heal properly.
• Will my procedure hurt? Knowing more about what to expect in terms of side effects can help ease your mind.

 

What Are Endodontic Procedures?

Endodontic procedures are done to save natural teeth that have been damaged or developed an infection. Rather than extracting these teeth, endodontists access the inner part of them in order to remove damaged tissue or perform other repairs. This helps treat infections and prevents them from becoming worse. Endodontists then seal the affected teeth to keep them safe from bacteria. Root canals are a common type of endodontic procedure. This procedure involves eliminating damaged or infected tissue from inside teeth. Other types of endodontic procedures include fixing damaged tooth roots and removing infected or damaged root tips. Your endodontist can determine which type of endodontic procedure might work best for you, which depends on the condition of your affected tooth or teeth.

 

How to Prepare for Your Endodontic Procedure 

You should follow all of your endodontist’s instructions for preparing for your endodontic procedure. This might involve avoiding eating for several hours before your procedure, for example, depending on the type of anesthesia you’ll be getting. You might also have to make sure someone else can drive you home. You should let your endodontist know about any medications you normally take in case you need to avoid taking any before your procedure. Being prepared for your root canal or other endodontic procedure can help lower the risk of complications or other problems.

 

How to Take Care of Your Root Canal

After having a root canal or other endodontic procedure done, keep in mind that you might have some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers should help ease this pain. Your endodontist might advise you to avoid eating food on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed. This helps lower the risk of accidentally damaging the treated tooth before it has a chance to heal. If you’re getting a crown, you might need to avoid eating on that side of your mouth until the crown is placed on your tooth. You should brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep the affected tooth clean.

 

Side Effects During or After Your Procedure

You might experience some pain and swelling after having a root canal or endodontic procedure done. These effects are only temporary as the anesthesia wears off and your tooth heals. You should let your endodontist know right away if you have severe pain and swelling or other side effects. If you have questions for your dental specialist, don’t hesitate to ask. They want to educate and inform you, so you feel comfortable with the dental procedures that can benefit your health.

 

If you’re having tooth problems and need to see an endodontist, please contact Largo Endodontics today. Dr. Ernest Rillman, our endodontist, can check your teeth and recommend root canal treatment or another endodontic procedure if needed.