Complex root canal next week and im terrified. If im going privately, what can they give me?

[OnAMatOopEre]

Molar with three roots, and have been referred to an endodontist (i think)

I am absolutely terrified and want to know what they can offer me drug wise that I wouldn't get at my NHS dentist?

I need something - i feel sick and tearful and my heart is racing every time I think of it. Am so scared theyre just going to give me the standard anaesthetic- its not going to be enough to get me through a 2+ hour appointment

I have the same next week. My fear is extraction so I'll put up with anything to avoid that. I'm expecting the injections to be the worst part and the rest to be uncomfortable just because of having your jaw open for so long.

Same as me, although I don't need another root canal atm and hopefully not any time soon either!

Conscious sedation but you need to
book in adavance
Thats the only way I can get through any dental treatment

I have had root canal work, you will be numbed completely (even with NHS). I really hate the noise of the drill, if only they could do headphones with soothing music or good book.

I paid for sedation and had a whole mouthful of work done in one go (it took the dentist three hours!) and it’s a total game changer, I loved it. Wish I could have it every time I went. They do give me a prescription for diazepam for each time I have an appointment though, so that’s a little bonus, I guess.

I always wear my headphones and listen to my audiobook or an album - have you asked your dentist about it?

I have done both of these (I had diazepam instead) and they really are a game changer.

I loved the sedation. Wish I could do it for every type of appointment!

I had one that was impacted, coming through horizontally

It was fine

Ooh- the specialist root canal man was amazing. He rubbed something on my gums so I didn't feel the needle go in (normal dentist you usually feel the wee scratch) and he was so much gentler putting on the rubber protection thingy and didn't need my mouth as wide as the dentist. At one point I scared the dental nurse as I drifted off to sleep. (I wasn't sedated or anything. It just wasn't at all uncomfortable and I was tired!).

It was much less uncomfortable than any other dental procedure I have had honestly. I think being a specialist helped. I know the anxiety before is awful, but I hope that helps put your mind at ease.

I really found that music helped during the procedure as it is calming especially if they ask for your preference and can do it. Also if it’s hard for them to settle you with anaesthetic they can pause and finish another time. Presumably you have negotiated a flat fee and so they might do that if they can’t settle you or you become unsettled. They will be on your side.

I had a severe dental phobia that meant I didn't go to the dentist for over 30 years. Finally I had a hole that hurt too much and I found a lovely dentist and had a lot of treatment done and my phobia was fixed. He warned me the filling in the hole might not last and I could need a root canal and that happened a couple of years ago. Mine was a 3 root going in weird directions one too and when my normal dentist saw the xray he said he was glad he wasn't doing it. Also, people said things like "ooh, sounds horrible" before I went. I don't know if root canals used to be much more painful in the past when they didn't have all of the modern equipment they do now but I felt absolutely nothing. I had 2 injections, lay back and relaxed. First appointment was 90 mins and the 2nd an hour but I felt absolutely nothing at all. The biggest pain was the cost of the treatment.
Good luck, I understand the fear but it really isn't like people say.

Oh this has been so lovely to read tonight! I've had a word with my wee self (and had a glass of wine!) and its just one of those things. I just need to get on with it!

Will update! Wish me luck 🙏 xx

My dentist sent me to an endodontist as he said they do so many they are really good at them. I was also almost sick with fright but it was fine. No pain, a bit lengthy and I was scared all through but it really was ok. 👍🏻

I’ve had two (or maybe three, can’t remember), with endodontist. They can give sedation but it costs extra- £150 or perhaps more, and you probably need to request it in advance so let them know asap if you want it. You’ll need someone to pick you up and take you home.

I just had the usual numbing and didn’t feel anything but as PPs have said, it takes a while and was boring. The only discomfort was having to have my jaw wide open for so long. I actually kept nodding off and the dentist had to keep waking me 😂

I hope all goes ok OP 💐

Just seen your second post OP- I had a pilonidal sinus too! Rank and SO painful. Root canal was painless- will be a walk in the park compared to your other experiences, I reckon. Glad the thread is helping you feel better about the procedure.

How did it go?
Just had my double root canal with endodontist. The worst part was the injection in the roof of the mouth, that made my eyes water. Otherwise fine. Quite a different experience for me, all done by some kind of microscope, very odd feeling that the dentist wasn't actually looking in my mouth but through some glasses like keyhole surgery.