I'm getting a root canal........
 

Never had one before.

Relatively healthy dental history but a week or so ago started feeling pain in the left lower back area of the mouth.

My dentist got me in this morning, took some x-rays, did some hands on diagnostics, and determined the very back molar has dying nerve(s) inside.

So I have an appointment for March 5 for the root canal.

In the meantime I'm taking amoxicillin for a week, which should address the infection and thus the pain.

He said it's about a 2 hour procedure give or take. Take some Ibuprofen before I come in because my mouth will be open for a while.

Ive had a few root canals. The worst part for me was sitting there with my mouth jacked open for what seemed like days.

Easy peasy, not even queasy.

Yea, the Novocaine shot is the worst part. Once the job is done, no more pain at all as the nerves are gone.

That tooth will last about 15 to 20 before it has to have a crown, or an implant.

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Thanks, Glen.

It's already got a crown so he'll drill through the center of it, he said. Then plug it back up when done.

He stays pretty up to date on everything so I trust he'll do it right.

Thanks everyone for your posts!

And the clip, Steve....lol....

Piece of cake, don't waste a minute worrying.

Are you going to an endodontist or is the dentist doing the digging?

OMFG! My dentist told me he was starting the procedure to make it easier for my endo. By all means, have the endo do it from start to finish.

Thanks Dentist is doing it.

Don't do it. Go to an endo.

For a skilled practitioner with the proper equipment, it is less painful than a filling.

Baz, you'll have no problems. Just don't think about the nuts and bolts of the procedure while it is being done. I was following along during one and suddenly realized my weak stomach wasn't going to like the knowledge. I immediately had to switch to re-indexing the rear suspension in the old E in my queasy mind.:D

Best
Les

Today makes the 4th day I've been taking the amoxicillin. I thought the pain would have gone away by now by it's still sore, although not as bad as it was.

From what I understand it takes a few days for the amoxicillin to work, so maybe this is normal.

I will call my dentist tomorrow but in the meantime, wondering if anyone has any other thoughts.

Thanks!

I’ve had three or four over the years. One tooth, I had done twice due to infection years later. Then I had an Endo go through the gum on another tooth. That was actually easier and less stressful than the traditional root canal.

I’m headed to the oral surgeon this Tuesday, for a consultation, to get a wisdom tooth pulled, that fractured.

Yup, they just drill through the crown. Part science and part art. They 'feel' the passage ways. Last time I sat in that chair, he was fixing an infection that the last guy missed MANY years ago. He found a little branch-out root that is normally not there. Like what you see on antlers often enough. I asked him if he plays a musical instrument and he said no. That's a shame.

I would advise not to go to a strip mall dentist.

I had a strip mall dentist advise to a root canal… After the RC it was determined that i had the inflamed nerve from a wisdom tooth. she also ground down the tooth too much so that a crown won’t stay on.

I don't think it is normal. When I had my root canals, there was no pain afterwards. Didn't even take the Oxy. However, when my dentist started it, he informed me after he started it. Not the best experience as it was my friend's dad that did it. She is also a dentist, but was on the mainland at that time. She has moved back and is taking over her dad's practice.

I have not had the root canal yet. It's scheduled for March 5th.

I'm sure your dentist can get you an appt with a specialist before then.

Good luck Baz.

After it's done you may find your health in general improves. As you know a bad tooth is a direct route for bacteria to get into your blood stream. So with this plugged up your body won't be fighting evil bacteria and can concentrate on the good times.