RC.. *sigh*

[terramarie11]

So after not having been to the dentist since i was about 12 (25 now) I decided I needed to go after I had a back molar chip half off. Found out I had quite a few cavities that needed to be filled (that back molar being one of them).

I went in and had the locals done with no pain what-so-ever. My dentist used a cream on the injection site to start and then use a vibrating wand type tool while she did the injection. Couldn't even feel it and I was in tears after she was done because I felt like such a fool for ever being scared of that. She started on a different filling and I felt nothing. After trying to fill the back chipped molar I felt her working. I told her and she went back in an injected some more local. After a few minutes she started and she said she got down to the "pulp" ? and did a temporary filling and has to send me out of office to an endodontist for a root canal. Now I am freaking out. After all the horror stories and bad rep that root canals have I can't even build up the courage to make an appointment.
She told me to tell the endodontist that I needed extra local anes. since I was able to feel after the first round. This freaks me out because I know they go deeper in so I am terrified I will feel it.

Are they really that bad during?! I don't mind soreness after I am just more scared of the immediate pain. Anyone who has had a rc done i would appreciate feedback.

 

[brit]

Don't worry, any decent endodontist will be able to get your tooth numb. If you are not numb, you don't let them work on you. There are lots of advanced local anaesthetic techniques that are not routinely taught at dental school (more's the pity)...endos should know them.

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Get detailed answers to FAQs: Is root canal treatment painful? Why am I sore afterwards? Why do I need a crown? And many more!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

I wouldn't let just any dentist do a root canal on me but with the right dentist/endo root canals can be quite relaxing and peaceful. I have had recent experience of them.

Can't Get Numb

Find out why you may not get numb enough, what dentists can do to get you numb, and how to ensure your treatment is painless.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hey

In addition to Brits wise advice another food for thought: the nerve in the tooth is probably already dead and not functioning, so you would not feel any pain while the endodontist works in the canals.

It does not mean that the anesthesia is not longer needed, it is better to have the tooth numb.
Good luck, and don't forget to tell us how it went.