Root canal therapy is an intensive dental procedure that can be relatively taxing on a patient. Patients will find that they need to take precautions following their procedure to ensure that they make it home safe and sound. This leads many patients to the question: can you drive after a root canal? There is no one-size-fits-all for this query, but this guide will discuss the procedure to help you determine whether it is safe to drive following your root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infections in the tooth pulp. It is one of the most common types of dental treatment, with millions performed each year in the United States. Because patients are placed under general anesthesia during the procedure, it is typically painless.
What Occurs During a Root Canal?
Prior to the treatment being performed, your dentist will take dental X-rays of your affected teeth. Once they have a clear image of the target teeth, the procedure usually follows the steps below:
- The general sensitivity of the tooth is gauged by applying heat or cold or by using an electric pulp test.
- Anesthesia is injected surrounding the target tooth to numb the tooth and the nearby gums.
- A thin piece of rubber is placed over the infected tooth and the nearby gums to help isolate the tooth and keep it dry during your procedure.
- A tiny hole is drilled in the crown of the tooth so that the tooth pulp can be accessed.
- The dentist uses various instruments to remove the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues from the inside of the infected tooth.
- Your dentist will clean and disinfect the pulp chamber.
- The chamber is filled with a rubbery material known as gutta-percha.
- The tooth is sealed temporarily with a dental filling.
- Finally, a dental crown is applied to the tooth.
All in all, most root canal procedures only take a couple of hours. Most patients will be ready to go home immediately after their procedure. You may be asked to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss your results with your dentist in the weeks following your procedure.
Can You Drive After a Root Canal?
Most patients will find that they can drive home with little worry following the completion of their root canal. This is primarily due to the fact that only local anesthesia is applied to your teeth when you receive a root canal. Specifically, this means that most of the rest of the body will not be affected by the anesthesia you receive.
That being said, if your root canal treatment involves general anesthesia or sedation, you should avoid driving immediately after your procedure. You and your dentist will be able to discuss some of the details surrounding this prior to you receiving treatment.
In the latter case, it is prudent for you to make arrangements with a trusted loved one to drive you home following the completion of your procedure. Making these plans prior to receiving treatment can help you ensure a seamless transition from the dentist’s office to your home.
Recovering After a Root Canal
There are several steps that you can take to help ensure that your recovery after a root canal procedure is a success. The advice below will be useful to those who want to optimize this period after their procedure:
- Eat soft foods that are easy on the teeth
- Quit smoking
- Practice proper oral hygiene
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Take steps to manage your discomfort
Attending to your recovery period delicately can help ensure a successful root canal experience. You and your dentist will discuss whether you should take any special precautions following your procedure to ensure your general safety.
The Best Dentist in Encino
Encino Family Dental is one of the best resources available for family dental care in the Southern California region. If you have questions about precautions to take prior to receiving a root canal, contact us today to have a discussion.
