Once you’ve scheduled a root canal, it’s natural to start thinking ahead about what the day will actually look like. But beyond the procedure itself, one thing that many patients have concerns about is transportation. Will you be able to drive yourself to the office and home afterward, or should you line up a ride in advance? The answer largely depends on the type of anesthesia or sedation used during your treatment; here’s what you need to know beforehand.
What Actually Happens During a Root Canal
Root canal treatment is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. A small opening is made to access the pulp, or inner chamber of the tooth where the infection resides. The affected tissue is removed, the tooth is cleaned and filled, and a dental crown is often placed on top to protect it afterward.
Most patients end up only needing local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake and alert throughout the entire appointment. Because local anesthesia only affects the treated area rather than your whole body, many patients who receive it are perfectly capable of driving themselves to and from their appointment once treatment is complete.
Sedation Dentistry Makes Root Canals Easy
Some patients feel anxious about dental treatment, especially when it comes to root canals due to their portrayal in movies and media. However, sedation dentistry is an option that can make your procedure far more comfortable and stress-free. That said, if it’s decided that sedation dentistry is a good option for you, your transportation plans will need to change.
Options like oral conscious sedation or IV sedation leave lingering effects that can impair your coordination and reaction time for several hours after your appointment. In these cases, driving yourself home simply isn’t safe! Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a bit different from other sedation methods, and its effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed and you’ve had a few minutes to breathe normal air. This means that most patients who only receive nitrous oxide are able to drive themselves home safely.
The best way to squash all your doubts is to ask about your sedation options when you schedule your appointment. If sedation beyond nitrous oxide is recommended, go ahead and arrange for a ride, and try to keep your schedule light and at-home for the rest of the day.
About Worcester Endodontics
Under the leadership of Dr. Karyn Stern, Dr. Niusha Nikkholgh, and Dr. Marta Rafla, our team proudly serves patients throughout Worcester with comfortable, effective root canal treatment designed to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. We also offer sedation dentistry to ensure a smooth, pleasant experience from start to finish. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can reach out today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-3636.