New and not so happy!

NatalieMT
I am so sorry for the tough time you have had with this. Was this root canal on the NHS or private?
Are you saying they couldn't get your tooth numb enough to work on because of the infection present? How experienced is your dentist? How much experience with root canals?
Maybe you'd be better seeing an endodontist (I know these are harder to find in the UK but they do exist - your dentist should be able to refer you to one - he'll probably be relieved to do so from the sounds of it)...they specialise in root canals which means they know more advanced numbing techniques, have better equipment including nitrous in many cases etc etc.

You said your dentist was 'a nice guy' but you seem to have had nothing but trouble from all the treatment he has done so maybe it is time for a change....one thing is for sure...a bad dentist doesn't improve overnight so there is little use sticking with one, however nice they seem.

Thanks brit - happy to have some support here!

This was on the NHS, I was going to go private and see if I could get it done any quicker but it wouldn't have made a difference.

Yes it was a problem getting the tooth numb, they did 2 injections into it and then dripped anaesthetic onto the nerve when it was opened up. My dentist is evidently very experienced and obviously knows a lot about root canals. I just think the infection in my tooth is proving very resistant, hence why the situation is not moving forward. I've done 3 courses of antibiotics now and there's even antibiotic paste packed inside the tooth and something to make the pulp in the tooth go neucrotic. But it's just not happening!

I have enquired about seeing an endodontist, but unfortunately the cloest one to me is an hour away and his waiting list is backed up right until the end of the year and I really can't wait that long in such pain. I just don't know if the root canal is even going to work due to persistant infection and pulp that's still half alive. I guess I might end up having it taken out as much as I hate that idea.

I'm not going to be able to get another dentist and another appointment in less than two weeks, so changing at this point isn't really an option. But honestly my dentist is lovely, I do understand what you're saying though - but they've always offered to stay behind after practice hours and see me, really they have done everything they can and they understand I have a big needle phobia and don't make me return to the waiting room to let the numbness set in (if I got up I'd pass out!). Maybe I'll just have to go on June 10th and take it from there.