Root canal question

[deano85]

Hi guys, found out today i have a tooth infection (for nearly 2 years actually, but thats another story)
Anyway, i need a root canal. So im not happy about it but been reassured its just like a long filling, so hopefully i can live with it.
The bit that got me was the mention of a sheet that covers my mouth to stop small objects falling down my throat, and that 'some people feel claustrophobic ' but i should be able to breath normally through my nose...
Now, i think its all to do with the wording used, but now im thinking this sounds awful...
What does it feel like,?
Cheers

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @deano85, some people can find it a bit claustrophobic. However, many people find it reassuring because it puts a sort of barrier between themselves and the dental treatment. You can find some more info, tips, and stories here:

The Dental Dam

Why do dentists use rubber dams? Can you breathe with a dental dam on? What can you do if you feel claustrophobic? Find out here!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

 

[deano85]

Cheers. Weirdly im now feeling more anxious about this dental dam than the actual procedure... Witch is kind of good as it taking my mind off it.
But the mind is still in overdrive about the dam... Can i breath, can i swallow... I never really breathe through my nose and with the inevitable heavy nervous breathing i have all sorts of things going on upstairs...

 

[smirked]

For me personally, the dam was an uncomfortable experience. I'm not claustrophobic so overall I dealt with the situation just fine. However, the discomfort wasn't nice.

The second root treatment I had was on a large molar. It took quite a while to complete the procedure. So, as you can imagine, having to keep my mouth open all this time it gave me a jaw ache. My jaw started to tremble. It was uncomfortable but it's not something to worry about.

It will be necessary for you to breath through your nose. It isn't really feasible to breath through your mouth with a dam in place. I tried it but, no.

 

[deano85]

Well, had part 1 of my RCT this morning... After everything people had said, and the way everyone had reacted when i said i was going i was expecting hell... What i got was what my dentist called a 'fancy filling'
It was worse than he thought, fully abscess, infected and swollen... Surprised i wasn't in pain...
Yes, there was a lot going on, but no pain... 7 hours later, dosed up on ibuprofen and paracetamol i still have no pain...
Part 2 on monday, is tat the part people dred?

 

[letsconnect]

Congratulations @deano85 !!! Great to hear that it went well .

Part 2 on monday, is tat the part people dred?

No, the second part is easier, so if you thought part 1 was a breeze, you'll be fine!

It will be necessary for you to breath through your nose. It isn't really feasible to breath through your mouth with a dam in place. I tried it but, no.

Sorry for jumping in here, but it should be possible to mouth breathe with a dam. Often there are gaps at the side anyway, or else the dam can be trimmed or a breathing hole can be cut out to allow mouth breathing. The key is to let your dentist know that you need to breathe through your mouth and come up with a solution together

 

[smirked]

I suppose it could. Depending on the dentist. The dentist I saw at the time was a private surgery and they insisted that the dam be watertight to avoid contaminants.

Situationally it could be different per individual.

 

[deano85]

Another question, i had my rct on wed, as part of the infection i had a huge lynth node...
Now, tomorrow i have part 2 of of rct but the node hasnt gone down.... Is this normal in 5 days? Will it effect anything??
Ta