Fear of losing teeth after root canals

Hello everyone

I joined this forum 1.5 yrs ago when I finally built up the courage to visit a dentist. Luckily I had an amazing dentist who was really caring. I needed a series of fillings but nothing else. I got through this ok but still I felt like I wasnt cured of my fear. I also think I have some more cavities that have developed and my teeth are also stained which does not look nice.

Then, last week I was in absolute agony. My top front teeth were aching so so so badly. My face was so badly swollen. I could not handle it anymore so rang the dentist. Unfortunately in the time between last year and now, I have moved countries and therefore had to go to a dentist who I did not know, which was really scary. Anyway, the dentist said the infection was really bad and I had to have two root canals. It wasnt as bad as I thought since I was in so much pain, I just wanted anything done. I was given a strong course of antibiotics and painkillers, which I just finished yesterday.

I was feeling much better but today I have woken up and still dont feel 100percent. The teeth feel much better but still sore to touch and sore under my nose. I am going back to the dentist in 2 days time to have the 2nd part of the root canal done.

Anyway I am just really scared that the root canals have failed. The dentist said sometimes they dont work. My sister also had to have a tooth removed after a failed root canal. All this I just cant get out of my mind. Especially as its my front top tooth and one to the side. I couldnt think of anything worse.

I just SO BADLY want to get through this and I just pray my teeth survive. I hate worrying like this. I am going to be so nervous when I go to the dentist on Thursday incase she gives me bad news. I just hope they are ok. If the root canals had failed, would she be able to tell then and there?

Has anyone else had top front teeth root canals? Are they supposed to still hurt? I know this worrying is silly but it would be nice to hear from others who have had the same problem.

I would be grateful for your words.

I have my appointment tomorrow to finish root canals. I am so scared already. I'm so worried the dentist is going to say that they have failed and that I will have to get my (front) teeth removed. I know this worrying is so stupid but my teeth and gums still ache and she scared me so much at the first appointment that not all root canals work, so I have practically convinced myself that they havent. It is also hard as since last week was the first time I went to this dentist, I still dont feel 100percent comfortable and relaxed when I go there and I didnt fully tell her how dentistry makes me really anxious (I was in so much pain that I couldnt think of anything else but the pain).
Just felt like I needed to let this all out as I still dont tell anyone of these fears. I hope it goes ok tomorrow and I get good news so I can report back.

Hi ,
it's understandable that you are worried - after all, the statement "not all root canals work" doesn't exactly inspire one with confidence, does it??
I think it's important that she knows how anxious visiting the dentist makes you feel so she can help you better - though if you still don't feel 100% comfortable with her (and it sounds as if you didn't immediately take to her), it would be a good idea to change dentists. It's so important to find a dentist you like and trust .

Usually, root canal treatment on front teeth is very successful and much easier than on back teeth, but if she seems doubtful about their success, you may want to consider an endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist with special advanced training in doing root canal treatments, and importantly, they also have specialised equipment like microscopes which ensure that you get the best result possible. You could ask your current dentist if she thinks a referral to an endodontist would be a good idea. Depending on your finances, this is an option you might want to consider if she's doubtful about the chances of success.

Wishing you all the best

Hey
Reading you story I noticed two things: first, you have very partial information which feeds your fear toward scary scenarios. Second, your connection with your dentist is not helping your psychological needs, that is to say your fear from the dentist.
First, a bit of information: there is 10% chance of pain after root canal treatment. It lasts no more than 48h and can be avoided by over the counter painkillers. There is also a chance for a treatment to fail, and that depends on the situation. In any case the succes rate is at least 80% (worst case). I do not the percentage for front teeth, but believe me it is higher, the upper front teeth have one straight root, the most comfortable situation for a dentist.
More importantly, your dentist's job, at least to my opinion, is to help with your fear. I do advise you to share your concern with her, ask her about the prognosis. If she reacts unpleasantly, or inconsiderable, leave her. There are plenty of considerable sensitive dentists.
A patient is a person, and behind the tooth stands a person.
You deserve it.

Hello again

I have just returned from my appointment. I felt so much more at ease today. I warmed to my dentist a lot more. I guess as last week was the first time I had been with her, I didnt feel 100percent comfortable. Today though I felt relaxed.

She said I still had an infection but had made great progress since last week. She cleaned out the teeth again and put a dressing in and a temporary filling. If I am in lots of pain tomorrow (she said I might) then I can go in and get the filling taken out and just let it drain again with the dressing.

HOPEFULLY this isnt the case and it all just heals nicely. I will then be getting it finished week before xmas.

Fingers crossed. I shall try not to worry too much cause I just end up getting myself stressed when it really isnt that bad!!

Great to hear that you feel at ease with your dentist and that the infection is dying down ! Congratulations !!

your story is remarkable.
Facing the fears is never easy, and you did it great.
I think that other fearful people who read your posts will find it inspiring.

Keep up the good path you are walking on.