Part Two Of My Root Canal

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

I had pain in a tooth, well the side of my face swelled up so, I looked like the Elephant Man! My dentist sent me to an oral surgeon, he sent me to an endodontist ( mind you all in the same day after taking my 90 year old mother to the cardiologist and having to take her with me). I ended up getting a root canal, I had a terrible infect, he had to put medicine in the canal, I am going back on Saturday to finish it. I am a good patient, but this procedure was too much for me. I don't like how they use a dam and prop your mouth open, your at the mercy of the assistant to suction you out. I had terrible anxiety, felt like a panic attack. I tried to calm myself down, it was difficult. Aside from being knocked out I was looking for advice on how some of you have gotten through this.

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

We just do.

I was in tears before my first one. Now I've had many; hopefully no more.

Cogito ergo sum

Lapdog · ‎12-18-2012

Oh I feel so bad for you. Was it an upper back tooth? They have 3 roots and are more difficult.

Hopefully you will not have another after this one. Be sure you get enough antibiotics.

I have had several rootcanals and crowns. I empathise with your suffering. I do not remember the second trip being so bad.

Best wishes.

Can you listen to music while you are there?

dex · ‎03-09-2010

@Jordan2i have had so many that I am used to it.If you just relax and know that you will feel no pain it helps.The procedure is long but the end result is worth it...no more pain or chance of heart attack from the infection.

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

@Lapdog wrote:
Oh I feel so bad for you. Was it an upper back tooth? They have 3 roots and are more difficult.
Hopefully you will not have another after this one. Be sure you get enough antibiotics.
I have had several rootcanals and crowns. I empathise with your suffering. I do not remember the second trip being so bad.
Best wishes.

Can you listen to music while you are there?

@Lapdog, it's a tooth on the left bottom (molar?) the dentist said there are two canals, only one canal is affected. The funny thing is I had a root canal in this tooth before, I was told sometimes it can get infected again. They listen to music, I try to pretend I'm somewhere else! Thanks for the good wishes.

walker · ‎03-26-2010

Jordan2......I just went through my first and second root canals last week!!! I was also very anxious about it. My dentist sent me to the specialist telling me he knew I needed a root canal. But, he also saw an abscess on another tooth he wanted him to look at......long story short I had two root canals in one appointment!!! UGH! But, I really liked the doctor and I did not feel any pain with procedure. I never knew I had a problem until regular check-up with my dentist. I had two infected teeth (both upper...left and right side) so doctor recommended doing both so he could get me on an antibiotic for both right away. He had me on Advil for three days with the antibiotic....plus probiotic. I also had some swelling on one side with a little bruise too. I have now finished all medications except probiotic. I will see doctor again in a week. I hope and pray the infections are gone otherwise it may mean more oral surgery and implants! I really hate any dental work!

By the way, I just tried to think about anything I could during procedure and kept telling myself to calm down....I would be done soon....I hoped!!! Doctor was also good about talking to me during the procedure so I knew how much longer I had.

MyShadowLove · ‎01-05-2015

@Jordan2...I've had a few root canals throughout my life and, compared to 20 years ago, the technology and advances in how they are done now are so much better...very impressive!

Not to worry...You got through your first visit, so your second one will be a breeze!

By the way, I was just wondering why he wasn't able to complete your root canal during the one visit?

~~Formerly known as "WildFlowers"~~

walker · ‎03-26-2010

wildflowers......I can't speak for Jordan2 but my endodontist told me he had to do it in two visits to make sure the infection has cleared up....then the root canal is finished.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

It is uncomfortable, but it's a much easier procedure than it used to be. I'm thankful for that. You might be able to get one anxiety pill from your dentist before the procedure if you ask. I make it a point to let the assistant know when I need to be suctioned. I grunt and point. lol

JavaQueen · ‎03-09-2010

To OP and all who have undergone this procedure. So sorry. i know exactly how it is. They are much easier than they used to be!

But the worst pain of all (for many of us!) is the pain in the pocketbook. It's not just the procedure, it's pallative care, temporary crown, permanent crown and post. I had enough crowns placed that I can truly be thought of as royal! LOL.

Speedy recovery to you. May you never have another!

From a veteran of the Dental Wars.