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A trip to the dentist may feel intimidating if you’re set to undergo a root canal. However, by educating yourself beforehand on what you can expect from the process and your health care clinic, you can relieve some of the anxiety. Here’s more information on the procedure so you can ask any remaining questions before you go into surgery. 

What to Expect During Surgery

Before your root canal begins, your dentist will apply both a numbing gel and local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is pain-free. Your tongue, teeth, and cheeks will all be completely void of feeling until after the surgery is complete and you have been furnished with the proper pain management medications.

Once the anesthetic is administered, the dentist will remove any affected pulp within the tooth so it can be filled, completing the root canal. If necessary, your dentist will then make an exact impression of your tooth and create a crown. 

What to Know About Post-Op Care

dentistIt’s normal to feel some residual numbness after surgery, which will help manage any discomfort during the first few post-op hours. While most dental patients find they can keep a handle on the pain after a root canal with over-the-counter painkillers, some find they need a prescription for something stronger. In most cases, pain lasts for only a day or two after surgery. 

In the days immediately following your root canal, make every effort to keep the area clean to avoid infection. Brush gently twice per day and gargle with warm salt water if you feel any soreness. If you find the pain is more severe than your dentist initially suggested, make a follow-up appointment to seek further dental care. 

 

The right team will make your root canal a stress-free experience. If you’re overdue for a trip to the dentist, doctor, or psychiatry center in Soldotna, AK, visit Peninsula Community Health Services. The knowledgeable and compassionate staff makes each patient feel heard, respected, and valued. Whether you need a routine flu shot, diabetes management assistance, or a root canal, you’ll be in capable hands. For more information, visit them online or call (907) 263-3119 today.

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