When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
The purpose of a root canal will be to remove all inflamed or infected pulp that is in the tooth. When you're experiencing pain inside one of your teeth that does not go away, this endodontic procedure can give you some much needed relief by actually removing the nerve that is damaged. It will salvage the tooth in the process, which should prevent the need for a bridge or dental implant. Your dentist will give you some tips for things to avoid doing before and after the procedure, one of which is drinking alcohol. Here is why you should avoid drinking, even if you think it may calm your nerves about having this dental procedure.
Alcohol Shouldn't Mix With Antibiotics
It's common for a dentist to prescribe you antibiotics before the root canal is performed, which will help treat the infection that you have in the tooth. Some of the side effects associated with antibiotics will be sleepiness, upset stomach, or dizziness. If you drink alcohol with the antibiotic, it can cause these symptoms to increase in intensity. In addition, alcohol used with specific kinds of antibiotics can cause problems such as vomiting, headaches, or even a faster heart rate.
One thing to keep in mind is that consuming alcohol should not impair how effective an antibiotic is, just cause these problems with side effects.
Alcohol Can Cause Anesthesia to Be Less Effective
If your dentist uses local anesthesia for the roof canal, know that alcohol could lower how effective the anesthesia is. A known problem is that alcohol will cause a local anesthetic to get to the bloodstream quickly, which requires the need to repeat doses of the anesthesia.
While alcohol provides an effect that is very sedative, it shouldn't be combined with using anesthetic drugs, especially when using only general sedation for the roof canal procedure. You will be very conscious during the procedure, and potentially feel pain.
Alcohol Shouldn't Be Used with an Oral Sedative
Another way that a dentist will help you cope with fear is to use sedation dentistry. Your dentist may prescribe you Ativan or Valium, which will help you to be relaxed. It's a drug that reduces anxiety levels, but when used with alcohol, can potentially lead to death.
For more information, contact a local dentist to learn more about safer ways to prepare yourself and recover from your upcoming root canal procedure.
Share3 November 2016
