Can I Drive After Getting a Root Canal Treatment?

If you have a root canal treatment coming up, you may be feeling a little anxious about the procedure. Root canals have the reputation of being one of the most painful dental treatments out there. However, thanks to modern technology and sedation options, you may find that you were worried about nothing. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your root canal appointment, including whether it’s safe to drive afterward.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

First, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to the treatment area to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. Then your dentist will remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth, clean the area, and fill the root canals with a biocompatible material. The tooth will be sealed with a filling or temporary crown, and you’ll be good to go!

Sedation Options for Root Canal Treatment

In most cases, local anesthesia is extremely effective and should keep you from feeling excessive discomfort during your root canal. Because local anesthesia doesn’t leave you impaired, you will be able to drive yourself home once the procedure is complete.

Patients who experience high levels of dental anxiety may prefer additional sedation. At Elyson Family Dental, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas. The effects of nitrous oxide subside quickly, so you’ll still be able to operate a vehicle once the sedation wears off.

Another option available at our practice is oral conscious sedation, where patients take a prescribed sedative before their appointment. This is a more intense level of sedation, which means that you will need to plan for someone else to drive you home after your root canal if you opt for this choice.

Root Canal Treatment in Katy, TX

We understand that dental treatments can be nerve-wracking, which is why the team at Elyson Family Dental strives to make your experience as stress-free as possible. If you have additional questions about root canal treatment, aftercare, or sedation options, just give us a call!

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Categorised in: Root Canal Therapy