How Safe Is It to Drive After Root Canal Treatment?
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At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward recommends root canal therapy to patients who have a cavity with a dying root that is causing them pain or tooth sensitivity. During a dental exam with x-rays at our Bay City, MI dental office, he can examine your teeth and gums thoroughly to detect any oral health issues that need to be resolved immediately, such as a root canal. He will be able to decide at this appointment whether root canal therapy will be best for your oral health. After having a root canal, he will explain root canal recovery instructions including whether you should drive after a root canal.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is needed when you have a severely decayed tooth that has reached the pulp of your tooth. This can even lead to an infection that can cause you pain and discomfort. Untreated cavities and cracks in a tooth can lead to the need for a root canal in Bay City, MI.
When do you need a root canal?
When you want Dr. Ward to save a tooth with a root canal, you should schedule an appointment when you notice any of the following:
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You have severe tooth pain, especially when you are chewing or biting
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You notice a small, pimple-like bump on your gumline
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Your gums are red, swollen, or tender around a tooth
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You are experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
He can explain root canal causes and determine whether a root canal is medically necessary for you.
How does a root canal work?
When tooth decay gets deep into the pulp, you need a root canal. During root canal therapy, we give you local anesthesia that numbs the tooth being treated. Next, our root canal specialist will drill through the crown of your tooth until he reaches the pulp. Next, he cleans this area and removes the pulp. After the tooth is clean, gutta-percha is used to close the top of the crown. A temporary filling is placed until a custom crown is created that will fully restore your tooth.
Is it safe to drive after a root canal?
After your root canal, you will be able to safely drive. This is because the numbing used during a root canal is the same when you have your teeth cleaned or when you get a filling with Dr. Ward. When you leave our Bay City, MI dental office, you can safely drive and return to work and other normal activities.
Learn when you may need a root canal in Bay City, MI
Tooth decay can spread fast when left untreated and will lead to more debilitating symptoms. At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward specializes in diagnosing tooth decay in patients throughout Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland, MI. During a dental exam, he can determine whether you need root canal therapy. When you’re experiencing root canal symptoms such as pain while chewing or biting, it’s important to schedule an appointment quickly with our root canal specialist.