I have to get a root canal on Saturday.

[malibu]

I fear the dentist. Not just a minor 'yeah, I'm not a fan', but fear as in, heart palpitations, sweat dripping off my face and hands, and my hands shaking - and that's just from calling to make an appointment.

I have to get a root canal (two, actually, but the first one is being done on Saturday). I'm not kidding when I say I can hardly eat, and I'm having dental-related nightmares this week knowing it's coming up in a few short days. I keep trying to reassure myself and tell myself that it's only an hour or two out of my life and I'll survive, but I cannot escape this crippling anxiety about this stupid procedure.

Please reassure me this is no big deal and it's not that bad...even if it is. The one thing I am looking forward to is the mouth pain being gone. I'm pretty sick of waking up every night several times because one side of my head is throbbing.

[eb777888]

I've had a root canal and it really wasn't painful at all. A tooth extraction wasn't even painful, just a little sore for a few days after. The most uncomfortable part is keeping my mouth open and the shots (but trust me, you want the shots, lol)

[malibu]

Yes, although the thought of a needle in my mouth terrifies me, I want the shots. They're also giving me Valium to take Friday night and Saturday morning, and laughing gas.

[LeggsBenedict]

I understand. I get that way thinking about having my blood drawn. totally irrational crying all over everything insanity.

I've gotten a root canal. it was not a big deal. AT ALL. everything was fine.

[So_Fetch]

Oct 22, 2014 16:19:28 GMT -5 malibu said:

Yes, although the thought of a needle in my mouth terrifies me, I want the shots. They're also giving me Valium to take Friday night and Saturday morning, and laughing gas.

Um, you are going to be so fine with all of that.  I had gum grafts and wisdom teeth extractions done after taking a valium....and I didn't even know what had happened. It was literally like I fell asleep for a minute and woke up sans teeth or with a graft.  Your jaw might be sore afterward from having your mouth open, so take some ibuprofen or something before the numbness wears off just in case.

[eb777888]

Oct 22, 2014 16:19:28 GMT -5 malibu said:

Yes, although the thought of a needle in my mouth terrifies me, I want the shots. They're also giving me Valium to take Friday night and Saturday morning, and laughing gas.

That will really help. I had laughing gas for my extraction and that shit was AWESOME. Not a care in the fucking world, lol.

[malibu]

Oct 22, 2014 16:20:56 GMT -5 LeggsBenedict said:

I understand. I get that way thinking about having my blood drawn. totally irrational crying all over everything insanity.

I've gotten a root canal. it was not a big deal. AT ALL. everything was fine.

When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, not kidding - one of my first thoughts was "I'm going to have to get a bunch of shots!!!" and the crying started. I so get you

[trafficgirl]

I agree with everybody - it really was not as bad as I thought. I hate having my mouth open for that long, but obviously that's necessary.

And I even had to go in for a temporary fix because I was in pain but it was a holiday weekend, then go back in a week or so later for the permanent procedure. So I feel you on having to go through it twice.

[lilac05]

You'll feel SO much better after it's done! Keep telling yourself that. And trust that the meds and laughing gas will let you get through this without missing a beat. I've not had a root canal, but I've never known someone to regret having one!

[littlepeanut]

It didn't hurt and I'm afraid of the dentist. It didn't hurt afterward either. You'll be ok!!

[greenley]

I just had a root canal in my front tooth last Wednesday (so it's still fresh in my memory).  The procedure was very easy for me, did not feel any pain and barely felt the needle from the numbing shots.  My numbness lasted about 2 hours from time of procedure and I'd recommend taking any prescribed pain meds before the numbness wears off.  I had some pain because I waited, but it wasn't terrible (I just took regular extra strength tylenol because I'm pregnant).  Very minimal pain the next day.  It will be ok and I'm sure you will feel much better than before you had the root canal.  I know I felt immediate relief from tooth/gum pain.  Good luck!

[hulley]

I just had a root canal two weeks ago. It feels so good to not have tooth pain anymore. Definitely take some pain meds before the novocaine wears off. I made DH stop at Walgreens and pick up Tylenol on the way home. My doctor recommended 3 Advil and 1extra strength Tylenol "to take the edge off". It worked like a charm. By the next day I felt nothing at all, so I only took 2 doses of advil/tylenol.

[karmasabiotch]

Get the gas. Keep asking them if it's on because you can't feel it. They will crank it higher. You won't have any cares in the world while in the chair. Pain killers for after and you will be just fine.

[Dagny]

I'm also terrified of the dentist and my root canals were not bad! No pain.
My tips are: go to an endodontist if you can, take valium beforehand, and take an iPod filled with the loudest music you can find (I took my husband's screaming death metal and it totally drowned out the noise to the point that they had to shake me to tell me they were done).

[scarletbandit]

Aww. Try not to worry. Easier said than done, I know. The worst part is having to hold your mouth open for so long. The gas is so worth it. I was sad when they turned it off, wanted to take it home with me. (Yep I have addictive tendencies ). Good luck on Saturday.

[olegregg]

I had a root canal a few years ago. Really, the most annoying part was having to go back to the dentist several times because of all of the prep and check ups. You'll be fine with the drugs, GL!

[roo54]

I completely understand. I broke my front tooth in half when I was in the 5th grade and had to have a root canal then. The only way I would be calm enough for them to do the work was to have a wet rag over my eyes. I know it seems silly as an adult, but maybe you could try that?

Also, I always keep my purse/jacket on my lap to have something to squeeze with my hands. I do this even during normal cleanings.

[psychmom]

Ask them to give you the gas. It's like having a bottle of wine without the hangover. hopefully it'll help you relax.

Root canals in general are perry painless. I always say the numbing shots are the worst part and even those aren't bad.

[Birdie]

I've had one done and I found having cavities filled to be more unpleasant. They numbed me up so much I couldn't even move the muscles in that side of my face. I found it more annoying than anything because it was done on a back molar.