Having a root canal done tomorrow, scared?

[Ihatedentistss]

Hi,

I'm having a root canal done by an endodonist tomorrow afternoon and I'm freaked out I have an abscess that's been utterly excruciating this whole time, so I can't imagine anything worse than that, haha, but I'm still really nervous. It's a front tooth that a (very crummy) dentist did a filling on back in October.

How long is it probably going to take for the root canal to be performed, what typically happens? I'm just so scared and would love to hear from others who've been there before.

Thanks!

 

[Mugz]

Hi!

First of all I have to say I love the picture of the cat and the snow cone! Adorable!

Second...so sorry you are facing a root canal tomorrow. It isn't fun. I had one 9 weeks ago...but I've had worse appointments with less being done, honestly. I've moved a thread by "Ilostmysoul" titled "Scared to death about root canal" for you so you can read Steve in Cleveland's detailed reply about what is involved.

I think I added my two cents about making sure you ask for sedation if you feel that might be something you could benefit from. My endodontist had me arrive 30 min early to take halcion and in his office before starting a thing. Gave it plenty of time to work before starting the procedure which was very necessary for me as it didn't happen in 30 min. I was there from 12:00pm to about 3:45. This included an hour and a half-45 min (NOT 30) waiting for halcion to kick in. If sedation is an option and you haven't discussed it, call ahead in the morning to see if you need to come a little early to have it. Some people don't even need more than the numbing medicine...once that is in you shouldn't feel a thing. My endo said it is just like a filling. Don't google. Way too much info. Not worth the anxiety it causes pre root canal. Just go read the other post. It will help. I was terrified before hand but honestly didn't feel a thing, not once, during the procedure. I had an abscess too but took antibiotics for two days before RC and 5 days after. The pain I had before the root canal was 1,000 times worse than having the actual procedure. Seriously. I know you don't want to do it but the hideous pain you are feeling now is much worse.

Good luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing when you have a chance.

 

[FearfulInMA]

I'm so sorry you are in so much pain! Definitely read the thread (and Steve In Cleveland's post) described above. The RCT should not hurt AT ALL. Before I had my first RCT (I've had a total of 3), I was so terrified and in so much pain. I think I was literally dancing out the door when it was over because it was really way less scary than I imagined AND it was the first time in weeks that I was in absolutely no pain -- I'm pretty sure I went home after and ate an entire cheese steak sub.

 

[Spike 1969]

Would agree with both the above posts; RCT is like a filling, just takes a bit longer, I had one done having had excruciating pain with an infection, didn't feel a thing during the procedure; it was a little tender for a day or 2 after but over the counter meds took that away and the pain was gone (I was climbing the walls with the infection ). The RCT tooth lasted over 13 years and only had to come out because of other factors nothing to do with the RCT.

you will be ok

 

[Ihatedentistss]

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all three of you I really appreciate you taking the time to offer me support, it truly makes me feel a lot better. I'm about to leave the house to get the root canal done. I'll report back to you guys once it's over with and I get a chance. Thank you again for everything!

 

[Spike 1969]

Good Luck with your appointment

I'm sure it will all be totally fine, would be great to hear how you get on.

Kind Regards

 

[FearfulInMA]

Good luck (though you won't need it)! Please let us know how it goes!

 

[Ihatedentistss]

Hey again everyone it went totally fine, and was actually pretty quick. I had to be numbed several times before and during the procedure, but it was a piece of cake other than that and the shots weren't bad at all. It was all good although the root canal was done on a different tooth than the one I thought needed it...turns out the nerves were completely dead. The endodonist said he would have been done today but because of the infection I'll have to come back in three weeks so he can finish on September 4th. Thank you SO MUCH for all the support and well wishes. You guys are the best.

I might need some more root canals, but hopefully not. Only time will tell. Have a beautiful day and thanks again!
,

 

[Spike 1969]

For letting us know

Glad it all went well

Now ow you can relax now it's out of the way, pleased for you it was straightforward!

 

[Mugz]

I'm so happy to hear it went well!!! YAY YOU!!!! You've been there done that now....welcome to the club!! Go take your ibuprofen or acetaminophen to stay ahead of any discomfort and RELAX!!!!