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Might need a root canal, terrified of it !

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dentalfear91

Junior member
Joined
Jul 19, 2017
Messages
8
So i recently made a trip back to the dentist after about a 10 year absence, i've always been pretty scared of going to the dentist ever since i was really young. Although i wasn't in pain something told me i had to start going again. The original appointment was fine the dentist was really friendly and a lot better than my previous one. Had a general exam and some x rays.

I was told i would need 3 fillings and a visit to the hygienist for a cleaning. The first filling was fine no problems at all i have had fillings before so knew what to expect. Couldn't feel anything and was fine in the days after.

Now i've just had my second filling done and this one was a lot more troublesome and reminded me why i went all that time without visiting the dentist. First of all i sat in the chair and was given the numbing injection and it did not feel like it worked as well as the first time. The first time the entire side of my face went numb this time i could feel the gum was numb and the back of my throat felt numb but not as much as the first time. The dentist started to drill using the water jet drill thing and i could feel pain so we had to stop and administer another different form of injection which went in a lot deeper.

This was uncomfortable but bearable, we then started working the tooth again and i could still feel a sensitivity but this did eventually subside i'm guessing when the second round of injections really started to take effect. After completing the filling (which was a composite filling) i was told i may need a root canal as the cavity was a little deeper than first thought.

Im now terrified of that as i can remember my mum telling me a story of when she had a root canal and she sat in the chair for nearly 2 hours in the most uncomfortable circumstances and then after enduring all that had to have the tooth pulled anyway. Does anyone (maybe a dentist) know how i will know if i'm going to need a root canal or is it something only an x-ray will tell ? Also is there any chance of being sedated for a root canal as i really don't think i can do it (i'll be happy to pay extra for the sedation)

Anyway i'm now back in 2 weeks for the 3rd and final filling and this experience has really put me off once again. Going to make sure the whole side of my face is completely numb before we start anything this time as the drilling whilst not fully numb was not very pleasant at all ! Also keeping my fingers crossed we caught the cavity in time and i wont need a root canal.
 
I can say with my old dentist who was really good at novacaine and always gave me enough,, not even a root canal hurt. didn't feel a thing.. the worst thing for me is having those files in and out of the hole they create.. thinking they are going to drop them.. but the rubber dam helps ... phew.. the thought is always the worst..part of it.. I hope if you do they can get you numbe enough.. but hopefully it won't come to that!! :) ....
 
You'll know if you need a root canal if you have really bad pain that doesn't get better.
 
Yes you can be sedated for a root canal.
You should always be numb and comfortable during a root canal otherwise call a halt for a rethink e.g. referral to specialist/sedation etc: Root Canal Treatment

I've never had a painful root canal experience (they've always been comfortable)...I have had a painful filling experience...so I get why you want to be numb.
As FearfulinMA says pain is the most likely indicator of needing an rct but in older folk, the teeth can calcify (shows on xray) and sometimes the nerve in a previously heavily filled tooth can die off with very little pain involved...might just be a spot of severe hot sensitivity - if you don't pick this up it might progress to an abcess which would involve eventually pressure and pain.
So long as you have a dentist who will see you quickly in emergency, all should be well. Try not to worry.
 
When I needed a root canal redone my dentist gave me a pillow to help me relax more, the dentist who did the root canal did over three periods, if my current dentist gave me a duvet I would have a little nap.
 
So i recently made a trip back to the dentist after about a 10 year absence, i've always been pretty scared of going to the dentist ever since i was really young. Although i wasn't in pain something told me i had to start going again. The original appointment was fine the dentist was really friendly and a lot better than my previous one. Had a general exam and some x rays.

I was told i would need 3 fillings and a visit to the hygienist for a cleaning. The first filling was fine no problems at all i have had fillings before so knew what to expect. Couldn't feel anything and was fine in the days after.

Now i've just had my second filling done and this one was a lot more troublesome and reminded me why i went all that time without visiting the dentist. First of all i sat in the chair and was given the numbing injection and it did not feel like it worked as well as the first time. The first time the entire side of my face went numb this time i could feel the gum was numb and the back of my throat felt numb but not as much as the first time. The dentist started to drill using the water jet drill thing and i could feel pain so we had to stop and administer another different form of injection which went in a lot deeper.

This was uncomfortable but bearable, we then started working the tooth again and i could still feel a sensitivity but this did eventually subside i'm guessing when the second round of injections really started to take effect. After completing the filling (which was a composite filling) i was told i may need a root canal as the cavity was a little deeper than first thought.

Im now terrified of that as i can remember my mum telling me a story of when she had a root canal and she sat in the chair for nearly 2 hours in the most uncomfortable circumstances and then after enduring all that had to have the tooth pulled anyway. Does anyone (maybe a dentist) know how i will know if i'm going to need a root canal or is it something only an x-ray will tell ? Also is there any chance of being sedated for a root canal as i really don't think i can do it (i'll be happy to pay extra for the sedation)

Anyway i'm now back in 2 weeks for the 3rd and final filling and this experience has really put me off once again. Going to make sure the whole side of my face is completely numb before we start anything this time as the drilling whilst not fully numb was not very pleasant at all ! Also keeping my fingers crossed we caught the cavity in time and i wont need a root canal.
Hello there,
I am new to this community, and I am in the USA. Dear dentalfear 91, I too, have had to have a root canal, six or seven to the best f my memory. Also, I have had some flat out horrific dentists, as well as horrifying experiences, so I know how you feel. I am also dealing with agoraphobia, have generalized anxiety, suffer from panic attacks, and am an emetephobe (severe fear of throwing up), so there's a lot going against me. I don't know if I can offer any support, but I will try. First, is your current dentist willing to talk to you about your fears, and about the procedure in detail? I willing, capable and calm dentist and staff can be a great help. Do they know your fears? The worst thing for me anxiety-wise, is not knowing what to expect, and as you have stated, I have not been numb enough many, many times. I also cannot tolerate the epinephrine (adrenaline!), they put in the novocaine-it sends me through the roof! They can definitely pull teeth and roots w/o the epinephrine. I was lucky enough to find a very good, experienced dentist who was able to extract my 3 roots from start to finish in 23 minutes!!!!! This was yesterday. I have VERY bad teeth from decades of dental phobias, and then I moved to a different state, so I have been without my "good" dentist. Hopefully I have found my forever good dentist until I move again. As far as root canals: I have had many and they all seemed to go lightly different. If I don't feel numb enough, I immediately ask for more novocaine. They should respect this, and give you more of it. My biggest problem with root canals and fillings, are the rubber dams they use, so you don't end up with gunk going down your throat. My last good dentist understood my fear, and only used it when absolutely necessary, and he even modified it for me (I have a very small mouth). With the right dentist, my root canals have gone pretty well. I remember thinking they really weren't much different than filings are. Take deep breaths, and let me know how it goes. One more thing: I don't know how your teeth are (I need full dentures at this point), but root canals are expensive. Just make sure this tooth is definitely worth saving. Wishing you the very best!!:)
 
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