New Here. Major Anxiety over Root Canal and Now Possible Ameloblastoma

[charlesvalley]

Hi everyone, new here. Keeping this brief.

My left lower molar hurts when chewing hard food, otherwise pain-free. Finally saw a dentist assuming a cavity, but X-rays revealed potential need for a root canal which freaked me out! He told me it would take him about 3 hours to fix my molar. I think that's too long. He said a specialist could do it faster, so i may go to an endodontist, or something like that.

Additionally, a panoramic X-ray also showed a couple dark spots (radiolucency) that according to the dentist might be ameloblastoma, a rare non-cancerous tumor. It can be aggressive, affecting the jaw, leading to a ton of horrible operations ...but usually not cancerous, thankfully. He referred me to a specialist to rule things out, which has tripled my anxiety. Expecting more X-rays and possibly a biopsy for a clearer diagnosis. But of course, i'll ask a lot of questions before i proceed or get a second opinion! I know i'm jumping to conclusions with the ameloblastoma thing, and it may be something else, but i haven't slept at all well thinking of if i have this..and i have a specialist appt on Monday.

Now preparing mentally for a root canal and managing anxiety about dental work. Came here to get it out my chest. I worry about breathing, not having control during a dentist appointment. I bought a bite block to practice keeping my mouth open during procedures. Thanks for reading.

 

[nutzforcats]

Try to take one thing at a time and wait until you know for sure what it is. I'd go to a specialist if the dentist thinks it will take 3 hours for a root canal, i've had two and they were just over an hour and were in molars. i understand about the loss of control, i worry about that too but it is usually all in my head and i get through the appt. better than i thought. stay positive and try to do things to take your mind off things and listen to music, stay affirmative sayings and just try to do some breathing exercises.

 

[charlesvalley]

Thanks! Luckily thank God no ameloblastoma. Now i have an appointment for next Thursday for 1 pm. I'm nervous. They say it takes an hour , maybe slightly more, better than 3! LOL