There are a lot of changes that occur during pregnancy, and it isn’t uncommon for people to experience worsening dental problems throughout. With an increase in estrogen and progesterone and more frequent morning sickness, there is an increased risk of worsening oral health. In addition to the increased risk of cavities, it isn’t uncommon for your dentist to determine that you need a root canal during your pregnancy. 

However, you may not know whether you can safely get a root canal during your pregnancy or if there are any risks associated with the procedure. At David G. Johnson, DDS, our team wants you to understand the ins and outs of getting a root canal when you are pregnant. If your dentist or endodontist has recommended a root canal during your pregnancy, keep reading to learn more about the procedure. 

Can You Get A Root Canal During Your Pregnancy?

While we know there are many myths about receiving oral care during your pregnancy, it is important to know that many myths have no basis. You should be scheduling regular appointments with your dentist prior to pregnancy, which should protect you from cavities and the need for root canals.

However, if you haven’t gone in for a routine checkup with your dentist recently, you should schedule one once you find out you’re pregnant. At this appointment, they may determine that some cavities have progressed too far and you need to get a root canal during your pregnancy. While we know this might seem intimidating, getting a root canal during pregnancy is completely safe. 

When Should You Schedule Your Root Canal During Your Pregnancy?

If you’re ready to schedule your root canal, you might wonder if there is an appropriate time for this procedure to take place. When it is time to schedule your root canal during your pregnancy, it is best for you to schedule this during your second trimester. For many pregnant people, scheduling your root canal between 14 and 20 weeks is best. 

You will likely want to avoid a root canal during the first trimester of your pregnancy to prevent any risky procedures while the pregnancy is still so new. After the third trimester of pregnancy ends, you may schedule a root canal, although you may find it too uncomfortable to lay on your back during the procedure. 

Do You Have To Get X-Rays Before Your Root Canal?

While there are many X-rays you can avoid during your pregnancy, the X-ray before a root canal is not one of them. The American Pregnancy Association states that dental X-rays should be safe as long as adequate shielding is available. This shielding should come from your endodontic team, who will offer you an apron to protect you and your baby from radiation exposure.

It is important that you don’t try to put off this X-ray prior to the root canal during your pregnancy. While we are sure you’re nervous about the X-ray, it is essential to ensure your root canal is successful is essential. Your endodontist will use the X-ray to guide them through your tooth and ensure it is properly filled after removing the infected tissue. 

Are There Anesthetic Options For A Root Canal During Your Pregnancy? 

You may worry about the use of anesthetic when undergoing a root canal during your pregnancy. However, there is no need to worry. The American Dental Association does say that you may use local anesthesia during a dental procedure. However, your endodontist will likely follow the recommendation of the American Pregnancy Association. 

They recommend using as little anesthesia as possible when performing dental procedures during pregnancy. It should be just enough to make you comfortable throughout the duration of the procedure. It is best to ask for additional numbing if you don’t find the initial amount satisfactory. 

Can You Take Medication After Your Root Canal While You’re Pregnant? 

After your root canal, your endodontist may prescribe you an antibiotic to help prevent any reinfection of the affected tissue. Many antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporin, and clindamycin, are safe to take during pregnancy. Your endodontist will only prescribe the safest antibiotic dosage, but if you are worried, you may want to discuss this medication use with them.

In addition to taking an antibiotic after your root canal, you may want to take pain medication. Your endodontist will likely not prescribe a pain medication, as they are often unnecessary following the procedure. However, if you are feeling a bit of discomfort, you may take acetaminophen. You should avoid taking NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) for the duration of your pregnancy. 

How Can You Care For Your Teeth During Pregnancy? 

With many people reporting increases in tooth sensitivity during pregnancy, it is essential that you care for your teeth to the best of your ability. You should continue brushing your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Due to the increased risk of gingivitis during pregnancy, your gums may be more sensitive and bleed more often.

To avoid this, switch to a soft bristle toothbrush. If morning sickness makes brushing your teeth too difficult, you should rinse your mouth with water and baking soda. You should also continue seeing your dentist as normal to ensure you aren’t experiencing any cavities or other problems, and avoid any sugar-rich foods and beverages. Finally, remember to floss every day to help maintain healthy gums. 

Schedule Your Root Canal With A Trusted Endodontist

Many people experience anxiety around dental procedures, and root canals are no different, especially when you need a root canal during your pregnancy. While we know this procedure is intimidating, working with a trusted endodontist during your root canal can help alleviate some of this anxiety. Dr. David Johnson has been a practicing endodontist in Northern Utah since 1990, and we are confident that he can help you through any root canal procedure.

In addition to our exceptionally trained endodontist, our team can help make this entire process smooth and alleviate any fear you may be experiencing. If you are interested in scheduling a root canal during your pregnancy or would like to speak to a member of our team, contact us at our Layton or Centerville office today! 

While oil pulling is an ancient oral hygiene practice, it has recently become much more popular due to a large collection of TikTok videos claiming the practice can save your teeth from decay. Some have even claimed that the practice has removed cavities from their teeth, allowing them to avoid advanced infections and root canals. While there are a great number of people stating how beneficial oil pulling has been for their teeth, can incorporating this practice into your oral hygiene routine save you from a root canal? 

At David G. Johnson, DDS, we want our patients to understand how the practice may be beneficial to their teeth and whether they should consider incorporating it into their current oral hygiene routine. If you need a root canal and are considering putting it off in order to try oil pulling instead, keep reading to learn whether this is the best option for your oral health. 

What is Oil Pulling? 

For over 5,000 years, oil pulling has been used as an Ayurvedic therapy. This practice involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth like a mouthwash but for longer periods of time, often between 2 and 30 minutes. While traditional Ayurvedic therapy calls for the use of sesame oil, coconut oil has become the more popular alternative because of its ability to reduce inflammation and fight harmful bacteria. 

It has been said that oil pulling can prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and more dental irritations. While it has become a much more popular oral hygiene practice due to its increased popularity on social media, it is important to note that the American Dental Association does not currently recommend adding oil pulling to your current oral hygiene routine. 

The Side Effects of Oil Pulling

While oil pulling is known for being relatively safe, there are certainly some side effects you may experience, especially when you are just beginning to process. When you first add it to your routine, you may notice some jaw soreness and headaches. These are often attributed to the excessive swishing motion and may alleviate over time. 

You may also experience an upset stomach if you accidentally swallow the oil. While there are very few side effects, it is important that you do not replace properly brushing and flossing your teeth with oil pulling. You should always follow the advice provided for you by your dentist or endodontist, as they have a thorough understanding of your oral health history and the current condition of your teeth. Choosing to disregard the advice provided by your dental care provider may lead to dealing with these uncomfortable side effects, or in more severe cases, tooth decay or damage.

Can Oil Pulling Replace a Root Canal? 

Many people often experience heightened levels of anxiety when facing a larger dental procedure, including root canals. However, it is important to state that root canals are currently the most reliable way to address problems within your tooth, especially when focusing on severe levels of infection. While there are alternative dental procedures to address problems within the root of the tooth, there are no products on the market that can act as a reliable substitute.

A root canal is a procedure that focuses on removing infected tissue within the tooth, called the pulp. The process is essential for preserving the health and integrity of your tooth. Once the infection has reached the pulp of your teeth, the best course of action is to reach out to your endodontist to schedule a root canal. So no, oil pulling is not currently a reliable replacement for a root canal. Attempting to substitute with oil pulling or other home remedies may inadvertently make the problem much worse. 

The Risk of Putting Off a Root Canal

When you delay a necessary root canal in order to attempt healing through home remedies, there are many complications you risk running into. Some of the most common risks of putting off a root canal include:

• Increased pain
• Spread of infection
• Abscess formation
• Tooth loss
• Increased treatment complexities
• And more

While we understand that you may want to put this procedure off due to anxiety, the risks far outweigh the discomfort. If your endodontist has recommended a root canal, it is essential that you schedule the appointment as soon as possible to protect your teeth from much more severe damage. 

Should You Add Oil Pulling to Your Oral Hygiene Routine? 

With all of this in mind, is adding oil pulling to your oral hygiene routine worthwhile? As we have already mentioned above, the American Dental Association doesn’t currently recommend adding it to your routine. Their stance emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and treatments with proven benefits for oral health, which oil pulling doesn’t currently have.

So, should you add it to your routine? The answer is a personal one. While the scientific support for oil pulling is currently limited, some have reported positive experiences with the method. Ultimately, if you choose to add it to your everyday routine, it is important that it isn’t used in place of other techniques. You should continue to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, even if you choose to incorporate oil pulling, to protect your teeth from any decay or damage. 

If you are thinking about incorporating or are struggling to decide whether incorporating the technique into your everyday routine is best for you, you may want to consider consulting with your dentist or endodontist. They can help you determine whether your current oral hygiene routine is meeting your specific needs and goals. 

Root Canals with a Reliable Endodontist

If your cavity has developed into a more severe dental infection and you are in need of a root canal, don’t turn to oil pulling. Prolonging your root canal may lead to more severe infection or, in more severe cases, tooth loss. If you need to get a root canal, our team at David G. Johnson, DDS, is the perfect team to rely on for this intimidating dental procedure.

Dr. David Johnson has been practicing endodontics in Northern Utah since 1990, and we are confident that he can help you through any root canal procedure. With several decades of experience, we are confident that he can help you through any root canal, no matter how severe. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a root canal with our expert team, reach out to us at our Layton or Centerville locations today.

So your endodontist has told you it’s time to get a root canal. You might not know where to begin with the preparation for the procedure, so the experience is as pleasant as possible. With preparation comes confidence in the procedure, and our team at David G. Johnson, DDS., wants you to know exactly how to prepare for a root canal so you’ll feel confident heading into the procedure.  

1. Ask Plenty Of Questions

If this is your first time getting a root canal, you might feel nervous about it. This feeling of anxiety is completely normal. You may experience a bit of anxiety surrounding bigger procedures. But a lot of this anxiety can be alleviated by talking to your dentist or endodontist. Make sure to ask plenty of questions before you go in for your procedure. It makes the procedure more straightforward, so you can go into it feeling confident. 

2. Avoid Tobacco And Alcohol

Smoking and drinking before your procedure can impact blood flow and slow down your healing. It may also slow down your immune system. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol before a root canal can protect you from infection and slower healing, making the overall experience more pleasant. Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided before the procedure. You should continue avoiding both until you’re fully healed and are no longer taking your prescribed antibiotics and pain medication. 

3. Eat A Few Hours Before You Go

Because a root canal involves numbing the mouth and gums, you might want to eat before you go in for the procedure. Eating afterward may be difficult or uncomfortable, and your dentist or endodontist may suggest you avoid eating until the anesthetic or numbing medications have worn off. By eating beforehand, you’ll make the recovery immediately following the procedure a little more comfortable. If you choose to eat, pick foods that are gentle on the stomach, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water as well. 

4. Get Plenty Of Rest Before And After

You’ll want to head into a root canal feeling your best. To do this, make sure you get a full night’s sleep before going in. Once your root canal is complete, plan for another full, restful night of sleep. Your body does the most healing while you are at rest. By getting a good night of sleep following the procedure, you’ll allow your body to care for your teeth and prevent prolonged healing periods. 

5. Take Painkillers Before You Go

Your dentist or endodontist may suggest taking a painkiller before your procedure. Taking medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, which are anti-inflammatories, can help your body handle any potential swelling before it happens. You may want to continue a course of painkillers for a couple of days following the procedure to fight the swelling and discomfort that may follow. 

6. Ask About Antibiotics

While antibiotics aren’t 100% necessary following a root canal, you may want to talk to your dentist or endodontist about them prior to the procedure. Some endodontists will prescribe antibiotics to ensure you have the greatest chance for a successful and comfortable recovery following the procedure. Discussing antibiotics before the root canal will also allow you to inform your practitioner of any allergies you experience from medications or whether they think it is necessary for you.

7. Make Sure You Have A Ride To Get Home

Not every root canal requires anesthesia. You can drive home if you’re just receiving local anesthesia to numb the area. However, if your dentist or endodontist recommends going under anesthesia, you will need a ride home following your root canal. Talk to your dentist or endodontist prior to the procedure to know what to expect. 

8. Prepare Your Home For Recovery

The easiest part of a root canal will be the portion done at the office. But from there, you’ll want your home prepared for your recovery. Ensure your bed is prepped with your favorite pillows and blankets and that your kitchen is full of soft foods, like soup, yogurt, pasta, or sushi, to aid your recovery. Preparing your home before your root canal guarantees you can come home and rest without errands looming over your head. 

Prepare For Your Root Canal With David G. Johnson DDS

If you’re about to get your first root canal, we hope our advice has given you peace of mind. Root canals are standard procedures, and you should trust that your endodontist will make the process as smooth for you as possible. If you have any questions about the root canal process or would like to schedule an endodontic service with our team, reach out to us at our Layton or Centerville office today.