Tell me about your root canal

[scottmandue]

Some how I have made it to 55 years of age without getting a root canal...

I wish I could claim it is because of my excellent dental hygiene but I think it is more to do with genetics and just being lucky to be born with strong teeth.

However at my last checkup I mentioned to my dentist that one of my back teeth is becoming more sensitive to cold and even cool temperatures... he took some ex-rays and said it had a very old filling and some minor cracks but nothing too bad... but if it is causing me pain... I may need.... A ROOT CANAL!

Are they no big deal or a major pain?

Thanks in advance.

[gchappel]

I have, unfortunately, had several.
I have been lucky- none have been a big deal.
Pay extra for anesthesia. I go to "sleep", wake up later. Go home, a little uncomfortable that day- but no pain. Next day, just about forget I had anything done.
Pick your doctor carefully- can make a big difference.
Gary

[Hugh R]

Try sensidyne toothpaste first.

They aren't painful, just drilling, and drilling and drilling.

[Burnin' oil]

"you're root canal" = "you are root canal"

I feel better now.

I had my first and second root canals last year and I did not enjoy either one. During the first one I had my first and only panic attack - the rubber dam and all the stuff in my mouth was horrible. I felt an overwhelming desire to rip everything out and run away.

The second one was better because I knew what to expect. They take a long time. I have to go back for another soon but I am going to wait until the pain is unbearable.

Have fun.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Burnin' oil

"you're root canal" = "you are root canal"

I feel better now.

Have fun.

Aw crap...and I can't edit the title

[nostatic]

I have to have one redone. Not looking forward to that...

[URY914]

I've had several, last one about a year ago. Better than having to watch daytime TV.

I'm not going to sugar coat it. When he sticks you with that first needle it HURTS!

[Rick V]

No big deal I have had a half a dozen of them and a few posts. Noting to fret about.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I have to have one redone. Not looking forward to that...

Hey Todd, can you edit you're to your in the title for me?

[gchappel]

Again, anesthesia is the ticket. Then you do not feel the needle stick, realize they have all kinds of stuff in your mouth, etc. One iv then night night. Worth the extra bucks.
Gary

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Rick V

No big deal I have had a half a dozen of them and a few posts. Noting to fret about.

What is the difference between a RC and a post? The guy I have been referred to does both. I think I understand the post is they implant a post and glue a new tooth to it?

They said the might be able to do a cap (already have one) but I am preparing for the worst.

[9dreizig]

well I had one a few months ago.. also had to have a crown on top of it..
thought the crown was riding a little high,, but last week it got really bad after a few adjustments..
had to have the whole thing re-done due to some infection.. Much better now. but really sucked..
good luck! they really aren't that bad..

[Christien]

Same symptoms, same diagnosis. Sensodyne did nothing. My wife just had one a month ago, she said it was no big deal, just like a big cavity filling. I'll ask for the sleepy-time meds

[Rick V]

A root canal is drilling out the nerve and filling the hole. A post is a root canal where they drill into the jaw and insert a post of some kind of unknown material and cement it in place then fill. I had to have a few of these done from an old injury and the repairs wore out. I had my upper jaw broken when I got busted in the face with a Milwaukee hole hog, when it locked up the bit.

[19-911-65]

Its not a big deal...really! Just ask the good Dr. to shoot you up a little extra and make sure they have a really cute dental assistant! Your molar will have more then "one" root 3-4? and it will take some time...again no big deal.

Also get the Dr. to show you the extra small dental files and brushes (kinda like a miniature bottle brush) used to clean out the root canal...I found them very interesting.

Best of luck!

[R K T]

I've had 4 or 5...lost count....and had to have one redone. Never had the knock out stuff, just Nitrous and it works fine for me. They put the little cup over your nose and tell you to breathe normally. Of course I took about 4 big deep hits before "breathing normal" and I just laid there staring at the cute assistant for about 45 minutes. Done.

[nostatic]

With mine they did the root canal like 15-20 years ago with a crown but evidently didn't get all of the nerve. It has been acting up (and I think is causing other symptoms like eye pressure and headaches) so they said they need to go in a second time and get rid of the rest of the nerve.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by R K T

I've had 4 or 5...lost count....and had to have one redone. Never had the knock out stuff, just Nitrous and it works fine for me. They put the little cup over your nose and tell you to breathe normally. Of course I took about 4 big deep hits before "breathing normal" and I just laid there staring at the cute assistant for about 45 minutes. Done.

+1

Never bothered me a bit.

[azasadny]

I had one in a bicuspid that wasn't bad at all and I had one in an incisor (top) and it was one of the worst experiences of my life! I hope yours goes well!!

[t-tom]

I had 2 done at the same time. They gave me a little blue pill to take at 7am then they gave me another pill at 8 when my dentist started........I woke up at home 7 hours later. The pills where 125.00 extra best money I ever spent.