If you have severe tooth decay, your dentist has likely recommended root canal therapy. While the words root canal make many people jump out of  their seat, it is actually a pretty straightforward and painless procedure. Once the treatment is complete, you will have relief from your tooth pain. Here are some helpful tips for getting ready for a root canal treatment at your dental clinic.

Talk to Your Dentist 

If you have never had a root canal before, you probably have several questions and concerns. Do not be afraid to voice these questions and concerns to your dentist. He or she will discuss the procedure in detail and clear up any confusion you may have. The more you know about what will happen, the less nervous you may feel.

Eat a Meal Before the Procedure

Before your dentist performs a root canal, he or she will first numb your mouth with an anesthetic. The numbing will likely take several hours to go away, and it will be difficult to eat during that period. That is why it is a good idea to eat a full meal before your treatment.

Stay Away from Tobacco

If you smoke tobacco, your dentist will want you to stop for at least 72 hours before your root canal treatment. Smoking tobacco can increase your risk of complications and slow down the healing process.

Get a Good Night's Rest

It is important to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before your root canal procedure. If you are running on little sleep, it could increase nervousness and even weaken your immune system. To make it easier to fall asleep at night, do not drink caffeinated beverages in the evening and do a relaxing activity, such as yoga, before bedtime.

Arrive to the Appointment Early

On the day of your root canal treatment, the last thing you want to do is rush out the door. If you are rushing to get to your appointment, you could become even more nervous. Try to leave your house a little earlier so that you can arrive to dentist's office several minutes before your treatment. That way, you can relax in the waiting room and mentally prepare yourself for the treatment.

If you follow these useful tips, your root canal treatment should go much more smoothly. If you have additional questions about the procedure, do not hesitate to ask your dentist.