Scared - Upcoming Root Canal

[leahnicole]

I have a root canal scheduled in 12 days (10/16) (TOOTH #5) I went to my dentist a few days ago for a lingering achiness and pain after eating and drinking on my right side. It initially felt like a sensitive tooth about a month ago, so I got some Sensodyn & things got better. I had just been to the dentist for a cleaning and xrays two months ago and had a perfect visit. I should've known this was too good to be true - something was lingering. Ugh

So the other night I was eating and I bit down and thought I'd go through the roof. The pain was quick and sudden but didn't linger and it was on the bottom tooth (so I thought) I think I had referred pain? Anyway, a few days later after eating a bagel I had a very dull achiness in my tooth, gums, and jaw that lasted almost 4 minutes. I went to the dentist for evaluation.

She did all the tests (x-ray, biting, pressure, cold, heat) - I really did not feel much of anything so it was inconclusive? I know I should've felt it so I was nervous. She then ordered a special x-ray of the root and the hygenist quickly said oh your root is curved let me get the doctor. This sent me into a near panic attack. I still don't even know what a curved root means? Anyway, the doctor never came back in after that, but she told the hygienist I need a root canal? I had no time to really ask questions. They told me to try not to wait because I wasn't in a lot of pain and if I wait I might be in a lot of pain??. I was not given antibiotics so I assume I don't have a nasty infection? I'm grasping but after some online research, I'm guessing, I have irreversible pulpitis? I don't really know?

I still have the same achy feeling when eating and drinking but try not to eat on that side. I've been taking ibuprofen about every other day & only when the pain lingers and it helps a lot. I'm grateful I'm not in a lot of pain but it doesn't mean I'm not concerned. I hope this doesn't end up getting an abscess or hurting really bad?

 

[badmouth]

I'm hoping that they gave you a referral to an endodontist? Having a curved root means that the root canal procedure would probably be a bit trickier than normal. Regardless, after all my experiences, I would only have a root canal done by a specialist, which is an endodontist. A good endodontist will double-check pulp vitality (life) and won't do the root canal unless it is necessary.

From what I have experienced, antibiotics don't do much for infection, they just buy you a bit of time (if any). Get to an endodontist and have the tooth evaluated. Make sure they explain everything so you feel comfortable going forward. With a competent endodontist, this is really not anything worse than having a large filling.

 

[famv5]

Definitely go to an endodontist. I've had about six root canals done over the years both by general dentists and endodontists and hands down, endodontists are the way to go. They have experience in it and so things go by quickly and painlessly. I'm usually in and out within 40 minutes (start to finish).

They will also evaluate the tooth beforehand to make sure a root canal is necessary. If so, the procedure is a breeze. I had someone once tell me that it's nothing more than a deep filling and that is 100% true. You won't feel anything.

Don't worry. If you have it done, please come back on and update because I'd like to hear your thoughts on the experience.