Dealing with tooth pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially while you are waiting for a root canal. In some cases, it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. But there are several things you can do to manage discomfort before your root canal that will help you maintain your quality of life before the procedure.
At David G. Johnson, DDS., we empathize with our patients and strive to make them feel as comfortable as possible leading up to their root canal. We understand that the discomfort you experience beforehand can disrupt your everyday tasks, including job and family responsibilities. If you are experiencing pain and want to manage discomfort before your root canal, keep reading to see what our team recommends doing.
1. Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
One of the easiest ways to manage discomfort before a root canal is by relying on over-the-counter pain medications. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen is especially effective due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is always best to follow recommended dosage instructions and consult your doctor if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications before incorporating them into your everyday routine.
2. Cold Compress
If you are on the fence about using medications to manage discomfort before a root canal, there are several other ways to alleviate discomfort. One of these methods is using a cold compress. When you use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near your irritated tooth, it can help numb your discomfort and reduce any accompanying swelling. If you want to try using it to address your discomfort, wrap ice in a cloth or use a cold pack and apply it for 15-20 minutes at a time. This compress can provide temporary relief from acute pain.
3. Saltwater Rinse
Sometimes, natural remedies for toothaches are the best way to manage discomfort before dental treatments. One reliable natural remedy for your toothache is using a saltwater rinse. A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe your gums and reduce any inflammation that may accompany your irritated tooth. If you want to try a saltwater rinse, mix a little salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. You should repeat this rinse several times a day to help keep the area clean.
4. Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate tooth pain, especially those that are very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. If you want to manage discomfort before a root canal, it may be in your best interest to avoid certain foods that can trigger this pain. Before your root canal, you may want to adopt a soft food diet, as these foods are less likely to irritate this already irritated tooth and surrounding tissue. This is also good preparation for post-treatment, as you will need to consume soft foods following your treatment.
5. Topical Anesthetic
In addition to taking over-the-counter pain medications, you may want to consider incorporating a topical anesthetic into your routine. Topical anesthetics, such as those containing benzocaine, can provide temporary relief when applied to the gums around the painful tooth. These are available in gels or liquids and can be found in most pharmacies. For safe use, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and speak to your endodontist about whether they believe this is a good option for your current oral health condition, as some patients with heart disease, certain blood disorders, and breathing problems might not be good candidates for this option.
6. Good Oral Hygiene
While your tooth and tissue are irritated before a root canal, failing to maintain good oral hygiene may make problems worse. If you want to manage discomfort, it is essential that you maintain your oral hygiene routine. Continue to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep them free of food debris and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. However, you should remember to be as gentle as possible when brushing and flossing around the irritated tooth.
7. Adequate Hydration
Adequate hydration is important for your oral health year-round. However, it is especially important when you are trying to manage discomfort before a root canal. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection, as well as helping you maintain proper saliva production. Staying hydrated also helps to manage overall health and well-being, which can positively impact how you manage pain.
8. Speak to an Endodontist
If you already have an appointment scheduled for your root canal but your pain management efforts aren’t working, you may want to reach out to your endodontic team. In some cases, they may be able to find an earlier appointment option to move your treatment time up on the calendar. If they don’t have an earlier opening, you may be able to talk to your endodontist about prescription pain medications to help you alleviate pain before your appointment.
Manage Discomfort with David G. Johnson, DDS.
If you are looking for an endodontic team to help you manage discomfort leading up to a root canal in the Layton and Centerville areas, turn to our team at David G. Johnson, DDS. For over 20 years, our team has provided reliable endodontic treatments to patients across the Wasatch Front.
From root canals to root resorption and more, our team provides a variety of services to meet everyone’s unique needs. No matter what endodontic treatment you need to restore your oral health, we’re here to help. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about how to manage discomfort leading up to a root canal or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today at our Centerville or Layton location.
