A root canal is a common dental procedure, undergone by more than 15 million people in the United States annually. For those who have never had a root canal, it can sound intimidating. You may have a lot of questions about the process. One common question about the procedure is, “Can you drive after a root canal?” The answer depends on a few factors, which we outline below.
Can You Drive After a Root Canal?
There are a variety of factors that influence whether you can drive yourself home after a root canal treatment. If any of the following apply, you should arrange to have someone drive you to and from the appointment.
Sedation or Anesthesia
Your dentist will go over the type of sedation, if any, that will be used during your root canal. Sedation dentistry often involves the use of nitrous oxide or oral sedatives to help you relax and remain comfortable during the treatment. Unfortunately, these sedatives can impair your judgment and motor skills. Because of this, it is important to plan on having someone drive you home if your root canal procedure involves sedation.
Sometimes, complex root canal cases require more intense sedation in the form of IV sedation or general anesthesia. These not only impair judgment but also affect your entire body. If you have either of these types of anesthesia, you will need to get a ride home from your root canal procedure. You will also benefit from having someone monitor you for the next 24 hours.
Prescribed Medication Before or After Treatment
Some patients have high anxiety about root canal treatment. In some cases, your dentist may have you take medication beforehand to aid in dealing with this. Anti-anxiety medication impairs your judgment and motor skills. If you have taken medication in advance of your procedure, you should get a ride to and from the dentist for your safety.
Sometimes, pain medication may also be prescribed before or after treatment. Medication can be used for pain management so you feel comfortable during and after the treatment. This medication can sometimes cause dizziness or lightheadedness. If your doctor prescribes your pain medication before or right after your treatment, it is important to have someone else drive you to and from the appointment.
Pain or Discomfort
In rare cases, you may experience severe pain or discomfort immediately after a root canal. If you experience pain or discomfort after treatment, it is best to have someone drive you home. Your dentist can give you medication to help alleviate these symptoms. However, it does take time to get into your system to start working. Additionally, the medication may have side effects that impact your ability to drive home safely.
Driving Home After Root Canal Treatment
Some root canal treatments are straightforward. These cases are often done using only local anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area specifically treated. It does not impact your ability to move or your mental judgment. Patients often only feel numbness after the procedure. In this case, you can drive home on your own after your restorative dentistry root canal.
Talk with your dentist before your procedure to determine if you can drive home on your own. This will not only ensure your safety but also give you peace of mind going into your root canal. If you have any concerns, have someone come with you to the appointment just in case. Simple root canals rarely have complications. However, if it makes you feel better, you can bring a trusted friend or family member with you to the appointment.
Root Canal Treatment
If you need a root canal, contact the team at East Highland Dental to schedule an appointment today.