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Original poster

How bad is a root canal really?

50 replies

DentalWorries · 16/08/2021 12:07

I’ve got one this week. Never ever had any dental work before and I keep hearing horror stories. How bad will it actually be? I’ve got a really strong gag reflex and I’ve been reading about the dam they put in your mouth and that worries me.

I’m not in any pain at the moment. Just need a filling and when the dentist started doing it he decided it was too close to the nerve so cleaned it all out and just put a temporary one in until I get the root canal. He’s referred me to a specialist who only does root canals and has glowing reviews all over his website but I’m still nervous.

We also fly on holiday the next morning so slightly concerned about that but it was the only available appointment for ages.

Any positive stories?

OP posts:
Anordinarymum · 16/08/2021 12:11

If you get the area numbed up it's nothing. I've had it more than once.

Howtotameyourtoddler · 16/08/2021 12:11

Not bad at all! You'll be given a local anaesthetic as with any other dental procedure, so you shouldn't feel a thing (there can be some odd sensations, but not painful). It's basically the same as any other filling, just takes longer. It can be painful as the anaesthetic wears off, but not unbearable.

(I've had three RTs (two teeth, one needed redoing). Two were fine and the third was genuinely traumatising because the dentist didn't tell me she was going to do it until she'd started and I wasn't given enough local anaesthetic. I can't imagine the same thing would happen to you!!)

GoodnightGrandma · 16/08/2021 12:12

It’s just the same as a filling.

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User8765431297658448 · 16/08/2021 12:12

I had root canal years ago. I don’t even remember it. I suppose that’s a positive story because it didn’t traumatise me.

Lucky you getting to see a dentist. Mines been shut since March 2020.

RatherBeRiding · 16/08/2021 12:13

Didn't feel a thing and I've had a couple! No different to a normal filling if your dentist is half-way competent. Might be a bit sore when anaesthetic wears off but paracetamol should do it.

vampirethriller · 16/08/2021 12:15

I didn't have any anaesthetic for my last one and I didn't feel a thing.

GoodnightGrandma · 16/08/2021 12:16

OP - I have had a fear of dental treatment since being a child.
Having my teeth cleaned is torture, I have local anaesthetic gel now.
I recently needed two crowns doing and I was petrified, but I was amazed at how ok it was.
My dentist knows my fear, and is very understanding.

Trisolaris · 16/08/2021 12:17

I have really long nerves and it was absolutely fine!

WhoppingBigBackside · 16/08/2021 12:17

I've had more than one and they were no more painful than a regular filling, but took longer. I've also had an apisectomy, and don't recall it being painful.

Dizzy1234 · 16/08/2021 12:18

I'm a complete fanny when it comes to the dentist but I had root canal and it wasn't bad at all, worked myself for absolutely no reason, you'll be fine

lljkk · 16/08/2021 12:18

I was nervous just thinking about what they do, but I was in pain without it & keen to keep my teeth -- it was fine. Very glad i had it.
I can't say it was 'easy' or without discomfort, but it was painfree experience.
Are you getting white crown or gold?

I love the fact mine is gold.

ApolloandDaphne · 16/08/2021 12:19

I had it recently and it was fine. I too have a very strong gag reflex but I was okay. Mine was done over two sessions so each one wasn't too long.

YesMandy · 16/08/2021 12:23

@DentalWorries I’m terrified of the dentist and it was fine, just like a filling really. Didn’t hurt at all.

Dinnaehinksae · 16/08/2021 12:23

I agree with others, I have a fear of the dentist but the root canal was a breeze in comparison to what I thought it would be. Like you I'd heard horror stories so expected it to be bad but it was a strange feeling at most. Could feel a bit of tugging at points but nothing other than that and no pain or any concerns afterwards. I think you'll be fine for your holiday and probably just mostly relieved it's over and wasn't too scary.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/08/2021 12:23

I’ve had loads. It’s just like a filling.

LadyJaye · 16/08/2021 12:23

Honestly, not bad at all - the sensation of pressure is a bit odd, but modern dental anaesthetics are so effective and quick, there is no pain.

Most dentists now practicing will also have had significant training in reassuring nervous/anxious patients.

The people I've met who reel off root canal 'war stories' typically had them done 30+ years ago, when it would have been a very different kettle of fish.

Original poster
DentalWorries · 16/08/2021 12:25

Oh this is very reassuring. I’m not having the crown put on this time. This guy is literally just a root canal specialist so I have to go back to my normal dentist to have the crown put on. He said it would just be the one appointment with the root canal guy as my dentist already spent over an hour cleaning it all out.

I’m definitely guilty of getting myself worked up over things like this and then being surprised when they’re totally fine Blush

OP posts:
WaterIsBest · 16/08/2021 12:26

No thanks!

I had my tooth out instead!

Disfordarkchocolate · 16/08/2021 12:27

Any I have had been fine. I don't like the pain relief injections, and they've been the worse part. That and keeping your mouth open so long.

Amz6219 · 16/08/2021 12:28

I HATE the dentist and actively try not to go unless I have to :(

I have had root canal and it isn't pleasant having someone rummaging around in your mouth but you're numb so it isn't painful, and once it's done it is a revelation! Completely saved my tooth and I had been in agony with it so obviously that pain disappeared completely.

Good Luck, you'll be fine!

MrsDThomas · 16/08/2021 12:29

My daughter had one when was 12. She was nervous of the dentist anyway but with the RC she was cool as a cucumber. The cover they used across the mouth stopped the need for suction and any instruments in her mouth (it was the front tooth).

BananaRama990 · 16/08/2021 12:31

I've had 3 in the past few months and I was terrified before my first as I had never had one and had no clue what to expect. Not helped by the fact that all I'd heard about them was how bad they were!!
But honestly it was fine, the only issue I had with one was when it wouldn't numb properly - which the dentist later said was due to an unknown infection at the root preventing the numbing from working. They kept numbing it up further.
It was fine though and I wouldn't be in such a panic if I have to get another!!

pink1173 · 16/08/2021 12:36

It is fine and I am a complete dental phobe! The worst is the dam. At first I kept thinking I couldn’t breathe but you just have to do lots of controlled breathing exercises or some mindfulness exercises and you will be fine. Take music to listen to in your ears...always helps me!

Original poster
DentalWorries · 16/08/2021 12:37

Gosh I really feel for those of you that have had multiple done with the amount it costs!

OP posts:
Fleurty · 16/08/2021 12:47

I have teeth that split into double the amount of roots that they should so are very fragile and I've had 2 root canals so far.

It is the same as having a normal filling but goes on longer. Tell your dentist if you're in pain and they will give you more anaesthetic. The worst part for me was my jaw aching for having it open so long.