Dental ?, Root Canal??

[mamajoan]

YIKES... First off let me say I have wicked teeth.. growing up I had a dentist who is the root of my dental phobia.. scary...

anyway my back tooth on the R. top had an old huge filling, dentist took xrays last month found further decay so he put a partial crown in place last Thursday. I had pain in the tooth and jaw area with the temporary crown but we thought that would go away once the permanent crown was in place. (I have 8-9 crowns so I know how it can go sometimes) Well the pain has not decreased.. I can not drink anything colder than lukewarm water. If I do so YOWZA!!
This is followed by an ache. Also the upper jaw and lower back jaw areas are sensitive and a bit achey. There is no swelling, no drainage. I finally gave in and called the dentist (he is on holiday and I hated to interupt his vacation) He called me back, thinks I may need a root canal... He is going to call his endodontist partner to see if he can see me (he is on vacation too) If I can tolerate the pain with use of Tylenol.. my dentist will see me on Jan 6....

I had a root canal done when I was 13.. it was torture. Has there been advances in this procedure? How do they do root canals these days? I appreciate any information that you can give me.
Thanks!
Happy Holidays.. I shall be sipping on warm water instead of cold champagne
Joan

 

[Goofyposter]

Groosch! ALL I can say is that I had the first root canal of my life early last year...and compared teu what I expected...it wasn't bad at all....in fact, it was a compartive breeze! I hope it goes 1/2 as well fer yeu!

 

[jamsmom]

I reeally do NOT like dentists (sorry for any on the DIS) I have had 2 root canals. When I 1st called for a new dentist, I specifically asked if they cater to cowards. Anyway, my root canals went very well. In fact, I would rather have a root canal with my dentists then my teeth cleaned with her assistant.

Hope your goes as well.

 

[Boots]

I had one about four years ago and didn't have a bit of trouble. I had been in major pain though and nothing could have hurt like that tooth ache did! But I wouldn't hesitate to have another one done.

 

[Micca]

Sorry to hear you're down in the mouth. Check around with friends for a good dentist. I don't know anyone that doesn't think their dentist is gentle. Good luck

 

[Saffron]

I had a root canal and a cap put on one of my front teeth. I broke it when I fell going down hill while hiking. I was going down the hill rather fast, tripped over a tree root and BAM, hit the dirt with my face. For me, the worst part was holding my mouth open for so long! That's gets a litte tiresome after awhile. Take a head set and your favorite music. That will drown out any sounds and help pass the time.

I love my dentist! He looks like and loves to listen to Jimmy Buffet! I get my teeth cleaned in 3 weeks. I can't wait.

 

[mamajoan]

Originally posted by Micca
Sorry to hear you're down in the mouth.

Micca.. you silly goose.. your post gave me a needed giggle!
Thanks for all of the responses. I certainly appreciate your experience and wisdom....

Dr. Mo.. is a good dentist, he treats me very kindly. He makes sure not to put c-o-t-t-o-n in my mouth.. just writing it down gives me goose bumps.. weird.. I listen to Garth Brooks REALLY LOUD while he is drilling away. We are trying to figure out something I can smear under my nose so I won't smell the "burning tooth" smell while he is drilling. I used to use the nitros gas aka Laughing Gas.. but he no longer uses it.
Maybe a little Pixie Dust will ward off the root canal....
silly goose.. am I....
Thanks guys!

 

[MerryPoppins]

I've had one root canal. I didn't think it was too bad. No pain was involved once they finally got the area deadened - I'm hard to deaden sometimes and believe me it's torture if you don't deaden a root canal!

No problems afterward. It was worth it.

 

[WDWLVR]

I had my first (and I hope last) root canal this year. I was really scared going in, but when it was over I just looked at the dentist and said "that wasn't at all what I expected and that's a good thing". It really wasn't bad at all. The worst part for me was my jaw hurt from keeping my mouth WIDE open for so long. Mine was a few weeks before my Disney cruise and I was afraid it was going to impact the cruise experience, but I had the root canal, still had time to go to my regular dentist and have the cap filled/replaced.

Haven't had any problems since so I think it is worth it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have had a root canal. My molar was super infected, lots of pain, yuck. I had to go in twice.

BUT NOW I think I need 2 more...yep. I also am now allergic to pain meds. I think I need to get to the dentist.

Good Luck. The sooner you do it the better.

 

[Tartan Tigger]

I had root canal treatment for the first time in September. I had heard so many horror stories I was terrified by the time I got to the dentist but it really wasnt bad at all.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I honestly don't think a root canal is any more painful than a filling. I've had 2 root canals, and the worst part of them was the cost.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Had one root canal treatment and it was no problem at all. Properly anesthetized, it should not be any more than a filling. I could have slept in the chair, and not from the anesthesia. Good luck.

 

[Blondie]

I agree about the cost....that's what'll get you the most! This summer, I was quoted anywhere from $500 to $865 for the root canal and $900 for the crown...and ofcourse my dental plan doesn't cover either procedures!

I had a root canal that became infected...I swear there isn't anything worse that that! I was in so much pain. The root canal itself was a breeze.

After that, I never had another one...I'd rather get it pulled and save the money, especially if it's a back tooth that I hardly use, and that noone will be able to see.

 

[grinningghost]

I had a root canal too. The root canal itself was no big deal, especially compared to the pain I was in before I had it. Unfortunately, the root canal ended up not working and the tooth had to be pulled. Ever since then I've had no trouble. But then again, no tooth, no problem.

 

[DrCool]

I had a root canal done for the first time a couple years ago. It was completly painless and only took about 30 minutes. They didn't even have to numb me up for it since the tooth was dead. I was expecting a lot worse but it wasn't as bad as getting a regular filling.

They did charge about $800 which is crazy for 30 minutes though.

 

[Kteacher]

Mamajoan-sorry you are in pain . Things have advanced since your last procedure. I agree with everyone else-the worst pain will be to your pocket. I hope you are pain free soon!!!

 

[mamajoan]

You guys are so nice.. I am feeling better about the procedure already. The only thing is ... this tooth never hurt prior to putting the crown in place. Bummer... oh well guess I gotta do what will need to get done. Dang it.. a nice big dentist bill in January... how nice... The crown is already paid for.. and I 'think' 50% of the root canal cost will be covered... so that is good news.

as for the current pain.. I noticed last night that my mouth felt much better after I drank a warm coffee with Bailey's