It seems that nothing sets off nervousness like walking into a dentist's office.
Even if you have a longtime doctor-patient relationship and feel completely comfortable with the care and professionalism, it's still possible that your throat catches each time that office door swings open and you walk in.
Being told that a root canal is necessary can make that even worse, especially if you've never had the procedure before.
You can feel better, however, when you realize that most people say that the procedure isn't any worse than just having a filling put in.
Even so, you can be more comfortable and at ease my following the tips below.
1.
Understand the Process Your dentist, especially if you have developed a good relationship, should have absolutely no problem explaining exactly what you should expect.
Just knowing that it can take several visits to complete can help you prepare for your root canal with more understanding.
2.
Regular Dentist vs.
Specialist? Many people are unaware that a root canal can be performed by either your regular dentist or by a specialist known as an endodontist.
Both can do a good job and the choice really depends on what you are most comfortable with.
If you feel at home in your regular office, it's probably better to not seek specialized care.
It will be more expensive and you may not feel as comfortable with the unfamiliar staff.
3.
Be Prepared For the Cost Having a root canal can be much more costly than getting just a filling.
In fact, depending on who you see, what tooth is being treated, and how intensive the decay is, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 all the way to $800.
That is quite a spread.
However, after the initial examination, you should be able to ask for an estimate.
This may not be handed to you automatically, but knowing this ahead of time can really help you prepare for this visit in your budget, so be sure to inquire.
4.
Are There Side Effects? While most people have no significant recovery time from a Colorado root canal, there can be side effects and complications.
The most common side effect is swelling and discomfort surrounding the treated tooth.
You can minimize this by taking a pain reliever for a few days.
Also, if you are living with the temporary filling before the procedure is finished, it can become contaminated and reinfected, so avoid chewing in the immediate area.
Also, while uncommon, a root canal can fail and need to be redone.
The good news is that these side effects are not common, and with proper care, your root canal can last a lifetime.