Dietary Supplements To Avoid Before A Root Canal
Posted on: 23 May 2019
A root canal can help save your tooth from extraction due to infection. While your dentist may recommend that you stop taking aspirin prior to a dental procedure such as root canal treatment, he or she may be unaware of your dietary supplement intake. Certain over-the-counter dietary supplements can cause oral side effects that may be unwanted during and after your procedure. Here are some supplements to talk to your dentist about before undergoing your root canal.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. While these supplements may help support cardiovascular health, they may decrease blood platelet aggregation. This means that your blood platelets may take longer to clot.
Although this feature helps prevent blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, it may be an undesirable one for those facing dental procedures or surgery because it can raise the risk for abnormal bleeding. If you take fish oil supplements, let your dentist know.
You may be advised to stop taking them one week or so before your root canal to help prevent bleeding during your procedure. While highly unusual, eating larges amounts of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel can also have the same anti-clotting effects as fish oil supplements on your blood platelets. Because of this, you should mention your fish intake to your dentist before your root canal appointment
Valerian
If you suffer from anxiety or insomnia and were seeking alternatives to prescription medication, then you may have taken valerian root supplements. While valerian root can help sooth jangled nerves, it can cause an abnormal heart rate. It may also interact with the local anesthetic that your dentist uses prior to your root canal procedure.
While rare, valerian root may raise your risk for bradycardia, or a too slow heart rate while you are in the dental chair. While root canals usually do not cause substantial pain, you may experience sensitivity afterwards for which your dentist may recommend medications. valerian root supplements may intensify the effects of your pain medications, so be sure to let your dentist known if you take them.
If you are facing a root canal procedure, let your dentist know if you take dietary supplements. He or she will then determine if you should discontinue use a week before so that you are not at risk for experiencing bleeding or other side effects such as an abnormal heart rate or dangerous drug interaction.
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