Archives August 2024

Many patients find an upcoming root canal treatment daunting. However, root canals are a common, safe, and well-researched procedure that has been used in dentistry for decades. In most cases, root canal treatment is pain-free and stress-free. Please read our article to learn how to prepare for a root canal and ensure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

How to Prepare for Root Canal

A root canal procedure typically does not require a patient to have complicated preparations. However, the tips we list below might help you to have a more stress-free procedure.

Abstain from Alcohol and Tobacco Before the Procedure

Both alcohol and tobacco products slow down the body’s healing processes, which are necessary for recovery after the root canal. Also, alcohol and tobacco can interfere with the anesthetic or sedation that will be administered before the procedure. Thus, it is advisable to avoid these products for at least 24 hours before the root canal treatment. 

Get a Full Night’s Rest Before the Procedure

After a root canal treatment, your body will require strength to recover properly. The body’s ability to heal and restore itself is most effective when we are asleep. For a smoother and faster recovery, we recommend sleeping for at least eight hours the nights before and after the procedure.

Eat Before the Procedure

It is recommended not to eat for a couple of hours after the procedure, especially before the anesthetic wears out, to avoid damaging the restored tooth or biting yourself. So, having a filling, nutritious meal before the procedure will help you sustain yourself until you can eat again and give you the necessary energy for recovery. However, if you are going to be sedated during the procedure, ask your dentist about the appropriate eating schedule beforehand, as it might be necessary to abstain from food for a longer period. 

Stay Informed About the Procedure

Ask your dentist all your questions during your consultation. Staying informed about the procedure, the preparation, and the recovery period can help relieve anxiety about root canal treatment and make the procedure much smoother than it would be otherwise. Remember that your dentist would not recommend this procedure if it did not benefit you.

Ask Your Dentist About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can be a good option for patients who experience acute anxiety and stress before operations. Mild or complete sedation can help the patient feel calmer during the treatment and simplify the procedure. 

Think of Ways to Relieve Anxiety if You Are Nervous

Beyond sedation dentistry, there are other ways to relieve dental anxiety. We have already mentioned that having your dentist answer your questions and learning about the procedure’s benefits can help you stay calmer. You can also try exploring breathing and relaxation methods, ask a friend to accompany you, and plan to reward yourself for going through with the treatment.

Take the Medication Prescribed by Your Dentist

In some cases, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics or other medication to take before the procedure. Make sure to follow the prescription and the recommended schedule for taking those medications.

Prepare a Soft Diet for After the Procedure

It is advisable to adhere to a soft diet for several days after the root canal treatment to avoid straining or damaging your newly repaired tooth. We recommend preparing the food in advance to avoid the need to travel to the store during the recovery period. Examples of soft diet foods that do not require much chewing include smoothies, yogurt, pure soup, mashed potatoes or other vegetables, pate, soft pasta and bread, etc. Remember that your diet should also be nutritious to give your body the necessary vitamins and energy for healing and restoration. 

Plan Down Time for After the Procedure

It is crucial to avoid sports or other strenuous activities for several days after the root canal procedure. Make sure to plan downtime and take a couple of days off work to be able to rest fully and help your body heal.

Prepare Painkillers and Other Medication in Advance

You might require over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics (if prescribed by your dentist) for several days after the procedure. We recommend buying these medications in advance and having them on hand during recovery time. You might also need to prepare an ice pack to have cold compresses if you experience swelling after the root canal procedure.

Make an Appointment Today

The dental office in Arcadia offers high-quality, effective, and stress-free root canal treatment procedures to our patients. If you experience toothache caused by tooth decay or any other dental issues, do not hesitate to make an appointment at our office today. Our specialists look forward to welcoming you and your family to Smiles of Arcadia.

Breast augmentation has benefited many women worldwide and remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Not only does it offer women the chance to enhance their physical appearance, it also boosts their self-confidence. Medical and surgical advancements have given rise to more options for patients seeking breast augmentation. Among these, natural breast augmentation has emerged as an excellent alternative to traditional breast augmentation. Understanding the difference between these two procedures is crucial to choosing the right one for you. If you are curious about how natural breast augmentation and traditional breast augmentation differ, read on for an explanation from Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc.

How Does Natural Breast Augmentation Differ From Traditional Breast Augmentation?

Traditional Breast Augmentation

Traditional breast augmentation usually involves the use of synthetic implants to enhance breast size and shape. This procedure has undergone improvement and refinement over the years, resulting in more reliability and predictability in achieving the desired breast aesthetics.

The incision site for traditional breast augmentation differs depending on the patient’s desire and doctor’s recommendations. The most common incisions for breast augmentation are:

• Inframammary incision, which is under the breast
• Periareolar incision, which is around the areola
• Transaxillary incision, which is in the armpit
• Transumbilical incision, which is through the belly button

Types of Implants

Many types of implants are available to patients who undergo breast augmentation. Options include silicon impacts, which mimic the feel of natural breasts and are known for their durability and natural appearance; and saline implants, which are slightly firmer than silicone implants and made with saline salt water to have a uniform shape and firmness.

Surgical Procedure

During the procedure, your surgeon will use an incision pattern to create an opening where the implants will then be placed.

Recovery and Risks

In the weeks after surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercises and follow surgeon instructions. While the risks are relatively low, it is crucial to be aware that breast augmentation, as with any surgical procedure, comes with risks. These include infection, implant rupture, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, your body’s rejection of the implant, and inability to breastfeed or the production of less milk compared to before the augmentation.

Longevity and Maintenance

Although implants are designed to be safe and long-lasting, they are not eternal. Patients should be aware that touch-up breast augmentation surgery is likely.

Natural Breast Augmentation

Natural breast augmentation involves transferring the patient’s fat from another part of the body to enhance her breasts. It is minimally invasive, requiring only 2-3 mm incisions. Natural breast augmentation is appealing to those who want to have a more natural look and feel without the use of synthetic implants.

Procedure

Natural breast augmentation involves two main steps.

1. Liposuction: Fat cells will be harvested from your abdomen, thighs, and other parts of the body where excess fat is present through a liposuction technique.
2. Purification and Injection: The harvested fat will be purified, and your surgeon will then carefully inject the purified fat into your breasts. You need a skilled and precise surgeon to ensure that the fat is evenly distributed and the results have a natural contour.

Recovery and Risks

Recovery from natural breast augmentation is usually shorter than that of traditional breast augmentation. In addition, patients experience less post-operation discomfort compared to traditional breast augmentation patients. Swelling and bruising will occur but typically subside within a few weeks.

The primary risk of natural breast augmentation is that the body may reabsorb the implant fat, which would decrease breast size. There is also a risk of cyst formation or calcified areas.

Longevity and Maintenance

The results can be long-lasting, but actual endurance will depend on factors like weight fluctuations and aging. Unlike implants that may need replacement, the fat that survives the transfer process is permanent. However, touch-ups may be required to maintain your desired look.

Make the Right Choice

Your choice between traditional and natural breast augmentation procedures depends on different factors such as your desired outcome, your body type, your personal preferences, etc. Remember that every person is different, so what is perfect for another may not be ideal for you. It is important to discuss your preferences, your medical history, and other pertinent details with your surgeon so that they can guide you in making the right choice for your unique body. 

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc.’s team of experts can evaluate your anatomy and help you determine the ideal breast augmentation procedure. Contact their team today to beautify your body and raise your confidence.