The procedure is going to be on one of my back upper teeth.
2006-10-14 13:21:05 · 15 answers · asked by CG 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Expect to be very uncomfortable for a day or two. The worst part is just having your mouth open for so long. A hot pack is nice afterwards. Tylenol should be sufficient though.
2006-10-14 13:23:16 · answer #1 · answered by 'tisJustMe 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO, THE ROOT CANAL IS *** NOT *** PAINFUL! In all likelihood, you're going for a root canal because you're in pain. The root canal is a process where the endodntist/dentist will remove the nerves that live inside the roots of the tooth, so afterward, the pain you've been feeling will be gone.
The tough part of the root canal is keeping your mouth open a bit farther than you're used to but you will have brief periods when s/he is not working in your mouth, and you can relax a bit.
First they may take new xrays
Next, they will probably perform a COLD test where they use a spray chemical on the tooth in front of and behind the tooth you're complaining of. Then they'll touch the tooth where you have the pain... they want to be sure they work on the right tooth and this is the only way to be sure. Yes, it's painful but fortunately after about 5-6 seconds that pain will ease.
They'll give you a series of injections of novocaine to numb the area (this is the part I like the least)
Once the dentist is satisfied that you're numb in all the right areas, he'll put a 'rubber dam' over your tooth (best invention since the spit cup). This is a piece of latex with a small hole. It's fitted over the tooth to be drilled, and then the floppy pieces outside your mouth are stretched over a small frame. This way none of the yuck he's working with goes into your mouth!
Then he'll start drilling. After he's exposed each of the roots (2, 3 or 4), the drilling stops and he starts to use tiny tiny little bristles to pull out the root tissue. He'll use graduated sizes so that he can be sure to get the whole thing.
He'll rinse, suction, may take another picture to insure all the roots are gone, and then he'll pack it with antibiotic material.
Remove the dam, rinse the mouth, and the only thing left is to pull out your checkbook. After about 2 weeks you can go to your regular dentist for a crown or filling or whatever you might need as follow up.
I know I'm the exception, but I love going to the dentist, and this year I had two root canals. I actually started to doze during one and he had to ask me to open my mouth a bit more because I was so relaxed.
good luck... and know that soon you'll be pain free!
2006-10-14 13:36:57 · answer #2 · answered by princessmeltdown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, dont stress over it. It's a simple procedure! The more relaxed you are, the faster the procedure can go. Uppers are easiest, as far the actual root canal. But, there harder in the sense, that its difficult to get too. BUt, they will probably use a device to hold your mouth open with called a 'bite block' or a 'mouth clamp'.. all they do it hold your mouth open, while we work. The patients can comfortably rest their mouth on it and it helps the jaw relax as well from your/the straining of you trying hard to remain open on your own.
Now, if your dentist does it, it might take longer, only because most dental offices dont have the up to date equipment and magnifing glasses or microscopes that an Specialist would have.
Hope this helps...
2006-10-14 13:48:42 · answer #3 · answered by debs 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a root canal on my back upper tooth and it was not
painful at all. In fact it took less time then to have a tooth
filled. I would rather have a root canal than a filling with a
crown. Good luck, you'll be fine.
2006-10-14 13:45:53 · answer #4 · answered by Patty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend to all my patients that they take some Ibuprofen (800mg) before going to the appointment. You're jaw is going to be sore from having to stay open for awhile; ask if they have a bite block for you to use. I would keep up on the Ibuprofen for the next 24-48 hours after the procedure, that's usually how long the tooth is going to be sore afterword. Also, be prepared to be bored! If they have TV to watch during, great! If not, take an I-Pod or CD player to keep you entertained.
2006-10-14 14:20:46 · answer #5 · answered by justine 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isnt so bad i have had 7 root canals.And many teeth pulled and my parents only let me use over the counter stuff.Just be careful try not to chew on that side for a while.Because if u do trust me it will ache like theirs no tommorow.
2016-05-22 02:23:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trust me on this
Use Nitrious Oxide and LOTS of Novacine. You will not feel anything then
After the root is pulled you will be a little sore but have your Dr give you some meds.
It not as bad as everyone says. I am sure giving birth is much worse.
However, my GF disagrees
2006-10-14 14:08:41 · answer #7 · answered by clearwatervike 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had mine first done yesterday i didn't feel a thing but to get through the night OMG it was so painful, painkillers didn't work enough! Today antibiotics i got from my dentist kicked in so i am fine!
2006-10-14 15:34:04 · answer #8 · answered by ShdD345 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it s not a cake walk......but uppers are definetly easier all around less nerve endings...........you will probably have some discomfort for a couple days .........but then will be better! Take is easy.
2006-10-14 13:24:36 · answer #9 · answered by crownvic64 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you have a good dentist, it will be relatively simple.
They will numb you, then drill a hole in the tooth, then remove the damaged/infected nerve. Then they will fill the hole in your tooth.
I've had several, and no problems.
Good luck!
2006-10-14 13:29:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋