What Do I Need to Worry About When it Comes to a Root Canal?

Question

Well, I only have one cavity, but it's very large. It doesn't hurt me, but there have been a few times when a tooth brush bristle found its way in and gave me a little shock. My dentist told me that a root canal is a possibility at this point. My mother knows a trusted endodontist that will perform the procedure, but what should I be expecting, what should I do to prepare, what helps with the pain?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

If he truly is a trusted endodontist, you have nothing to worry about. I work for one of the best in my area and our patients only complaint is that they're bored. They feel no pain and just have to sit there while the endodontist does his work. Depending on how big your cavity is, if it goes into the gum, you may have some tenderness and that's only from damage to the gum. It will heal in a few days, don't worry. Take some Advil or Motrin and you'll be just fine.

Answer 2

Root canals are honestly not a big deal and I'm someone who had a very painful tooth.

They x-ray your tooth and do some tests, like poking around the tooth or putting ice on it. If it smarts (this is the worst part), they'll schedule the procedure. After that it's no different than having a cavity filled.

You'll need to then go to your dentist for a crown - also not a big deal.

What everyone associates with a root canal is the pain that the tooth can cause BEFORE the procedure. Let me tell ya, mine was the worst pain of my life. Having the root canal done, no big deal.

Answer 3

Don't worry. I work at a dental office and we do root canals all the time. It isn't a painful procedure and I think the worst part is just keeping your mouth open for the whole time. But afterwards you will be fine. If your dentist says that it is a possibility, he/she is saying that the decay may have gone through the enamel and most of the dentin. Once the dentist starts drilling to clean out the decay, they will be able to tell if a root canal is needed. For now, they have mentioned that as a precaution so that the patient is not surprised if they do wind up in the nerve canal. Its possible that they may be able to simply fill it and you may not need one at all.

Answer 4

I had two root canals done in one sitting just two days ago. I was petrified for nothing. I had the worst pain before, because I had an abscess as a result of a fracture.

I told my Endodontist I was afraid, and he prescribed me Halcion (oral sedative). I took one pill, an hour before the procedure, and was really relaxed. You'll only feel the pinch from the novocaine shot, and it lasts about 3 seconds.

I was done in 40 mins, it was awesome! I wouldn't mind if I needed to have another root canal done! LOL I felt sore about 10hrs after, and Ibuprofen (800mg) worked perfectly.

My Dr. even called me that afternoon just to check how I felt! =)

Don't stress over it, it's really not a big deal! =)

Answer 5

I agree the procedure itself is no biggie. But the pain of an abcessed tooth is the absolute worst! My eye was swelled shut & it looked like I had a baseball in my cheek. What a relief to finally get the root canal done!

Answer 6

When I had a root canal they x-rayed the tooth before filling it to be sure all the nerves were gone. Its possible they missed some in your case. I recently had to have the hole refilled but there was no pain because the nerves are all gone. But its odd that it stops hurting after you brush. off to the dentist I guess. Good luck

Answer 7

Mostly, the pain will be eased by the shots of anesthesia. But think more about what you will eat for awhile afterwards (like Jello or pudding, yogurts etc.) and just have a cold pack ready (like frozen corn or peas). Don't worry about it too much, that will only make you more nervous and tense ( you don't want to be jumping when the docs in there eh?) . Relax and try not to think about it.

Answer 8

You are numbed and have no discomfort. You return to continue the process. Hopefully he has destroyed all of the root and can proceede if you have no abcess. Did he say anything about a crown?

Answer 9

u need to worry about the pain.