New here and really scared

[FearfulInMA]

^^^ totally not going to happen. Stop Googling

 

[ScaredyCat22]

^^^ totally not going to happen. Stop Googling

Yes Ma'am! I know you are right. I need to stop torturing myself with horror stories.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

I'm leaving in about an hour. I'm so nervous I've spent the last 3 hours in and out of the bathroom and literally have hives on my face and neck, as my anxiety likes to manifest itself in physical ways. I can't believe this is my 5th appointment in 2 months for the same tooth. 5 times a decade is too much for me. I'm trying to picture myself after the appointment. Alive and well and in a safe place. I'm trying to concentrate on the positive. I'm trying to tell myself that this is just a tooth and whatever happens to it is not the end of the world. It's not working. But I'm trying.

 

[Mugz]

Sorry things are so tough this morning! You will get through it and Martha always says, this too shall pass...though not fast enough for your liking right now!! Can you take some Benadryl for the hives? Might help a bit with the stress too as it can make you sleepy - half a does night be just what you need. Whatever happens it is better than the agony you've been in for so long. I understand "reaching your quota" with appointments for ONE TOOTH...I didnt think it was possible for it to take so many trips but sadly it can...you're not alone. My prayer will be that things go smoothly and painlessly for you today and answers and treatment choices abound!!! You are right to keep it in perspective, there are worse things than root canals, extractions, implants, dentures ... All of it ... But hopefully THIS will be as bad as it ever gets for you. Please let us know how it goes when you are finished and free and safely home!!!

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Thank you Mugz,
I don't think I have any Benadryl but I do have some generic allergy something or other in the house somewhere for hubby's sneezing fits. I can see if that helps.
I will update when I get home. I hope the bus driver will be waiting outside the dentist's door to take me back to Camp Dontwannago. I feel safer there.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

I'm home. I'm alive. I'm ok so far, still numb. I did have a root canal. Or most of one anyway. The reason I have had excruciating pain is infection has set in. He wasn't sure he could get me numb enough to start on it today or not but I really wanted to get this started and over with, so we went ahead. One canal was totally dead and infection set in. One canal was dying, and a third canal was still living it's sad little life with no idea the rest of the tooth was dead. He was able to clean out about 95% of the tooth so it's still left open to drain. (yuck) It only hurt once and he stopped immediately and gave me 2 more shots. He said something about a little bit of calcification in one canal, what is that? I forgot to ask.

I have to take antibiotics for 10 days and then go back. On the 12th he will clear out the rest of it and fill it and then supposedly it's over and I will not have any pain in that tooth ever again. He says my crown is fine as is and can just get a filling without a whole new crown. I am not going to lie to you, I found it terrifying. My heart was pounding the entire time and I will never be one of those people who say they nearly dozed off during a root canal.
Also no dental dam was used, is that a bad thing?

 

[carriss]

That's great news, the worst is over for you. Relax tonight and give yourself a pat on the back.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Thank you Carriss. I'm so glad it's mostly over. It's starting to throb now that the Novocain is finally wearing off but I assume (and hope) that is normal because of the infection.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

2 days later and still in pain. I really hope this is normal and not the infection spreading to other teeth.

 

[Mugz]

I'm so very sorry to hear you're still in pain!!! Doesn't seem fair after what you just endured to NOT be that way but my experience has been that it took a good 10 days for the tooth and surrounding area to quiet down with an infection especially AND of you are a clencher or grinder it can make it hurt longer. You see your dentist in 8 days or a week? Is that right? Maybe get back in sooner for a recheck to put your mind at ease it isn't speeding?!?

 

[carriss]

2 days later and still in pain. I really hope this is normal and not the infection spreading to other teeth.

My last root canal settled after 10 days, though it has now unsettled again. But it definitely is normal to still have pain after 2 days so don't worry.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Thank you Mugz and Carriss.
I didn't realize it could take that long to settle. I had hoped once the nerve was gone the pain went with it. But that does make sense about the infection and I guess so long as the pain isn't getting any worse it must be ok. 8 more days til my appointment.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Just wanted to update that as of today 5 days after the root canal was started I am having remarkably less pain. Hallelujah! And although I am getting quite good at eating and chewing on only one side I am actually starting to look forward to my appointment Friday to finish the root canal and seal up this tooth and be able to eat like a normal person again.

 

[carole]

Good luck for Friday

 

[Spike 1969]

Hi Scaredycat 22.

Great News that the tooth seems to be calming down. Good luck for Friday

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Thank you very much Carole and Spike, I never would have had the courage to go through with it if not for this site and you wonderful people!