At Happy Dentistry, we understand that preparing for a root canal treatment may cause some anxiety.

Following the right preoperative instructions is key to ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience. Whether it’s your first root canal or you’ve had one before, knowing what to expect can help alleviate any stress.

Below are important steps you should follow before your root canal treatment to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

1. Confirm Your Appointment and Ask Questions

Before the day of your treatment, make sure your appointment time is confirmed. This is also a great time to ask any questions or address concerns. Our friendly team at Happy Dentistry is always available to provide answers and help you feel prepared and relaxed.

2. Review Your Medical History

It’s essential to inform us about your medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, health conditions, or allergies. This will help your dentist ensure the safest and most appropriate care during the procedure, preventing any potential complications.

3. Eat a Light Meal Before the Procedure

Root canal treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you don’t need to fast. In fact, having a light meal a few hours before the procedure can help maintain your energy and prevent dizziness. Avoid heavy or greasy foods, as they might make you feel uncomfortable during the treatment.

4. Take Pain Relief Before the Procedure

To reduce discomfort after the procedure, you can take Panadol (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen) about 30 minutes to 1 hour before your appointment. This can help manage post-treatment pain and swelling. However, it’s important to avoid aspirin, as it can thin your blood and increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothing

On the day of your root canal treatment, wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows you to relax during the procedure.

6. Sign Your Consent Form

Before your treatment, please ensure that you have signed your consent form. This confirms that you understand the procedure and are ready to move forward with the treatment.

7. Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

We advise you to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure. Both smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection after the treatment.

8. Keep Your Mouth Clean

Before your appointment, you should brush and floss as usual to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which helps lower the risk of infection. Be gentle around the tooth that will be treated to avoid discomfort.

9. Arrange Transportation

While local anesthesia typically does not impair your ability to drive, it’s always a good idea to have someone accompany you if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable. If you feel uneasy, consider having a friend or family member drive you to and from the appointment.

10. Prepare for Aftercare

Plan for a comfortable recovery by stocking up on soft foods like soups, yogurt, and smoothies that won’t irritate the treated area. You may also want to have ice packs ready to help manage any post-treatment swelling.

Final Thoughts

By following these preoperative instructions, you’ll be well-prepared for your root canal treatment at Happy Dentistry. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Jenny Liu, is dedicated to providing high-quality care and ensuring that your treatment is as comfortable as possible.

Please note: Sodium hypochlorite is used during root canal treatment to disinfect the tooth. There is a small risk that bleach may accidentally contact and bleach your clothing. We recommend wearing older clothing. And we will use a protective bib during treatment. We will take care to minimise this risk.

If you’ve recently had aesthetic facial treatments (e.g. lip fillers, dermal fillers, or Botox), please avoid any dental procedures (including whitening) for at least two weeks before or after to minimize risks of swelling, infection, or interference with results.

If you have any further questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at Happy Dentistry, or visit our special offers page to learn more about current deals on dental treatments.

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