Root Canal Worries!

Oh NO!

So I started getting cold sensitive on one of my bottom molars, so I went to see the dentist (a new dentist mind you, thanks to moving to Alberta!) on Wednesday. He poked, He prodded, He X-rayed. Then he told me that WOW, I seriously need a root canal. He couldnt believe I wasnt in major pain from how bad my tooth is Anyways, I have a root canal scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8am, and I CAN NOT STOP thinking about it. I have dental anxiety in general. I think I might go insane with an hour of drilling! Help! Anyone here have a root canal on a 1st molar? Any advice on distracting myself during the procedure and not feeling a lot of pain after???
Stupid dentist
Thanks in advance....

I have not had one on a molar, but I had one earlier this year on a bottom tooth. Honestly, the only discomfort I had was keeping my mouth open that long. Try to relax tomorrow, because the more tense you are, the harder it will be for your dentist to do the work that needs to be done. I had to have mine because it was my own fault (I hadn't seen a dentist in 2 years).

If it's any consolation, your previous dentist, if you had been seeing one regularly, is the one to blame.

I haven't been to a dentist in years (can't afford it), so I'm terrified to think of what damage I've done to my teeth, but I do have some small advice for you: bring a Walkman, an iPod or an MP3 player and listen to your favourite music. Listening to good music helps you to relax and brightens your mood, and if you crank the volume high enough, you might not hear the drilling. Good luck!

I really don't have any advice but I'm sending you lots of calming vibes.
You'll be ok!

I had a root canal done on a molar back in July, and it wasn't nearly as bad as expected. You'll be fine!

I have never had a root canal before. I think I need one though because I have a tooth that hurts a lot and I was told before that I might need a root canal done if it still hurt after the filling was done...which it does. I have been putting it off though because I am scared, although I have heard they arent that bad.

A root canal isn't nearly as bad as you think; trust me, I've had 5, including one that was an emergency. I always think the worst part is the shots to numb your mouth. I would bet that your mouth will be sore because of having to keep it open so long rather than pain from the root canal itself. My dentist always reassures me that it won't hurt afterwards 'cause he's cleared out all the nerves. And he's right. Try not to worry too much (I know, easier said than done); it really isn't that big a deal.

Originally Posted by libby74

A root canal isn't nearly as bad as you think; trust me, I've had 5, including one that was an emergency. I always think the worst part is the shots to numb your mouth. I would bet that your mouth will be sore because of having to keep it open so long rather than pain from the root canal itself. My dentist always reassures me that it won't hurt afterwards 'cause he's cleared out all the nerves. And he's right. Try not to worry too much (I know, easier said than done); it really isn't that big a deal.

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I agree. It's sitting there with your mouth open that's worse. All the nerves are gone afterward - it's a dead tooth. So you shouldn't have any pain there after.
I just found out that a root canal I had done 10 years ago has an absess under it. My dentist is sending me to a root canal specialist. I'd never heard of that before!
As Mirinae said, bring a walkman so you can at least listen to some good music while you're there.

Mirinae - I can certainly understand about the expense re going to the dentist, but you really ought to at least once every 2 years. Otherwise things just get worse and end up costing more to fix.

Thanks for the helpful tips and support!
The Mp3 player thing is a good idea, AND turns out there are TVs on the dentist ceiling so maybe I can watch something good....just not funny cuz I wouldnt want to laugh with all that business happening.
I think the name has shown to be the scariest thing so far...most people I know who have had one say it isnt that bad....the more I hear it, the more Im tending to believe it so thanks!
And at least after it is done I can eat candies and drink slushees pain free :/

Originally Posted by Februa

Oh NO!

So I started getting cold sensitive on one of my bottom molars, so I went to see the dentist (a new dentist mind you, thanks to moving to Alberta!) on Wednesday. He poked, He prodded, He X-rayed. Then he told me that WOW, I seriously need a root canal. He couldnt believe I wasnt in major pain from how bad my tooth is

Anyways, I have a root canal scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8am, and I CAN NOT STOP thinking about it. I have dental anxiety in general. I think I might go insane with an hour of drilling! Help! Anyone here have a root canal on a 1st molar? Any advice on distracting myself during the procedure and not feeling a lot of pain after???
Stupid dentist

Thanks in advance....

Click to expand...

I love going to the dentist!!! I've actually been known to fall asleep while getting my teeth cleaned or worked on.

I've had 2 root canals done. One on one of my top front teeth which now has a crown. I've had the crown replaced once. The other was on one of my back molars.

The front tooth root canal was done without freezing. The nerve was so far gone that there was no need of freezing. I felt zero pain or discomfort when he did the root canal.

The back molar had freezing because the nerve was not dead. Again, I felt zero pain or discomfort. After the root canal a temporary filling was put in until the next appointment. The temporary filling fell out and I tasted what tasted "Javex" or so it seemed, but there was no pain. I had to go back and have the filling put back in, and again, no pain.

Honestly, I think the most painful thing about my root canal was the amount of $$ I had to pay out of pocket.

ok I am back from the root canal, and the freezing has worn off....and I will live! yay! Honestly all the drilling and vibrations and concepts about peoples hands in my mouth were the worst- I didnt feel a thing. And they let me watch breakfast television...with headphones!!!!
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Februa

ok I am back from the root canal, and the freezing has worn off....and I will live! yay! Honestly all the drilling and vibrations and concepts about peoples hands in my mouth were the worst- I didnt feel a thing. And they let me watch breakfast television...with headphones!!!!
Thanks!

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I'm so happy for you!! Usually the anticipation is worse than the actual procedure!!

Originally Posted by kittylover4ever

Usually the anticipation is worse than the actual procedure!!

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That's so true!!! All that waiting can get you really worked up.

Good to hear!!! Just remember to take all the drugs you need to - it's when they anaesthetic wears off that's the worst i think!

I'm glad it went well..Dental procedures are pretty scary sometimes.