Front tooth broken root canal

[bigboblee]

My front tooth is broken I am facing root canal trying save it I have bad gag reflex will a dental dam be less likely to trigger it being front teeth I am terrified

 

[Gordon]

Usually a dam helps, it stops debris and spray from the handpiece falling down onto the back of your tongue which generally is what triggers the gag reflex.

PS This sounds really daft but actually works, sprinkle a small amount of table salt on the back of your tongue before starting treatment, for some weird reason it really helps with gagging.

 

[bigboblee]

Interesting, hopefully as it's nearer the mouth being an incisor it won't be as bad. Previously root canal was without dental dam which in hindsight is worrying

 

[Gordon]

Depends, dam isn't compulsory for a successful RCT, as long as you can keep the tooth well enough isolated from the rest of the mouth.

It does make things much easier all round though!

 

[bigboblee]

Told it's compulsory by the dentist just have to take their word for it fortunately it's maxillary upper front incisor which has less roots and canals one from my reading @Gordon

 

[bigboblee]

Usually a dam helps, it stops debris and spray from the handpiece falling down onto the back of your tongue which generally is what triggers the gag reflex.

PS This sounds really daft but actually works, sprinkle a small amount of table salt on the back of your tongue before starting treatment, for some weird reason it really helps with gagging.

Yes I read that about salt as well as it's front upper the dam well away from trigger spot mostly sitting on lips I think I can deal with it molars a whole different issue tbh I don't think I will worry about them

 

[Gordon]

Told it's compulsory by the dentist just have to take their word for it fortunately it's maxillary upper front incisor which has less roots and canals one from my reading

Good for them, it makes things much easier all round, but some dentists really hate using dam.

You're right, the central incisor (usually) has a single root and canal.

 

[bigboblee]

@Gordon Had back molar done without I hate thought as I gag easily but but fact they didn't well it's all added to my anxiety I am praying it's just three appointments