All of us are subject to occasional tooth decay--it's part of being human. Usually a regular cleaning with the dentist will prevent it from getting out of hand, but whether it's through intentional neglect, financial difficulties, or just getting caught up in a busy schedule, even those that try to keep their teeth in tip-top shape can wind up with an infection.
If it is caught early enough, the affected area can be drilled out and filled in a very simple procedure. But if the infection or injury has become serious enough, endodontic therapy--usually called a root canal--may be necessary.
The pain associated with root canals is legendary, so if you dentist tells you that you will require one, you will undoubtedly feel nervous. Let me give you some suggestions on how to prepare to ease the anxiety.
It helps to know exactly what is going to be happening during the procedure. Your dentist will most likely inject you with a local anesthetic, minimizing or even eliminating the pain that would be caused by the procedure. In general, the excruciation associated with the root canal comes from the serious toothache or abscess that precedes the necessity for the treatment.
After your dentist deals with the abscess if there is one present and applies the anesthetic, s/he will begin removing the infected portion. The hole in the tooth will be thoroughly disinfected, after which it will filled in. Then it will be sealed and restored to its normal appearance with a crown, though the tooth will be "dead" in the sense that its nerves will be severed and unable to respond.
Your case may be slightly different than the procedure I just described, so be sure to ask your dentist to disclose any extra details or address the questions you have. Write them down if necessary so that you will not forget when you get to the office.
When you first schedule the procedure, the dentist or an assistant will give you some instructions that you should adhere to, which generally will include a list of medications you need to avoid before your final appointment.
This may mean that you will have to talk to your primary care physician to select alternate prescriptions or to find out when you can safely resume the medicines you've stopped. You should also talk about over-the-counter pain relievers with both your doctor and dentist to find out which are safe for you to take and in what quantities to ease any soreness that may linger in your mouth.
Author Resource:-
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Claude Daniel DDS (http://www.claudedanieldds.net/) is a dentist Lithia Springs. specializes in beautifying smiles, maintaining your dental health, and helping you improve your appearance.
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