Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders among dental patients. High blood sugar levels often lead to deterioration of teeth. If a diabetic patient is in dire need of a root canal treatment, it is crucial to understand the associated risks so that you are well-prepared for the pre-operative and post-operative procedures.
Here is what a diabetic patient should be aware of before getting a root canal treatment.
Check Your Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels before the treatment can negatively affect your root canal results. If you are a diabetic patient advised root canal treatment by your orthodontist, you should make sure that your blood sugar levels are kept normal before the treatment.
High blood sugar levels may influence the procedure and may cause delays in recovery. Moreover, it can also alter the results of the treatment, often making it a failure. Keeping the blood sugar levels within the recommended range before and after the treatment may help the treatment.
Learn To Manage Pain
Diabetics usually feel more pain and discomfort during the root canal treatment process as compared to normal patients. It is highly recommended to discuss your procedure with your professional beforehand to make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for what comes next.
You should learn pain management techniques that can help you bear the pain during the procedure and after the procedure is done. Your dental care provider should offer your pain relief medication and tips to counter pain and discomfort.
Infections Can Be A High Risk
Diabetic patients normally have low immunity as compared to non-diabetics. Therefore, when a diabetic patient undergoes a dental procedure, they may be at a high risk for developing infection.
Root canal treatment may cause an open wound in the mouth and it is very important to keep your oral hygiene in check to avoid bacterial infections. Make sure that you are taking the prescribed antibiotics to avoid any infection.
Follow-Ups With Dentist Is Essential
Root canal treatment is not a one-time thing. It requires proper post-operative care, especially if you are a diabetic patient. Make sure that you visit your dentist regularly after the treatment for follow-ups.
Your dental surgeon will keep the recovery process in check and ensure that your treatment is a success. They can identify any potential problems in advance to avoid any unpleasant complications.
Discuss Dental Implants As Alternative Treatments
Root canal treatment is often a painful experience for diabetic patients, and it is always at risk of failure. You should discuss your case with your dental care provider and discuss the uniqueness of your dental problems.
Your dental practitioner may advise you on alternatives, such as dental implants. Implants require the removal of the tooth and replacing it with an artificial one. Sometimes, this is a better option than root canal treatment.
Conclusion
Diabetics are at high risk for developing an infection or failure of their root canal treatment because of their variance in blood sugar levels. Knowing your case and taking extra precautions can help you increase the chances of a successful root canal treatment.
