While ideally you would hope that tooth decay does not affect your teeth’s pulp, in some cases, neglectful oral care or other situations can lead to it happening anyway. If you are scheduled for a root canal, there are a few things you should be prepared for in the aftermath. While root canals are similar to a routine filling, they do tend to take longer and may have to be scheduled on separate occasions; that being said, we try to complete our root canals in one sitting. We offer local anesthetics for the procedure, as well as soothing sedation. We recommend not eating for several days after the procedure and slowly working soft foods back into your diet after that. There are several benefits to having your root canal done with Dr. Kevin Ward in Berkeley County, WV. First off, it provides protection for the other teeth in your mouth that could be prone to infection and inflammation from decay. The other main benefit is complete tooth functionality. The natural appearance of the tooth and the ability to do things such as speak, chew, and smile normally after the procedure are big positives for your oral health and your confidence. If you have any other questions about root canals or any of our other dental procedures, call our dentist, Dr. Ward, to set up an appointment at our Hedgesville dental office!