Root canal question? Any help greatly appreciated

[the1980s]

Does a root canal always involve an injection in the roof of the mouth?

I feel so silly even admitting this but I have such a phobia of that injection. I’ve had the flu jab, 3 covid jabs, countless others including oral local anaesthetic and wasn’t in any way nervous for them.

But I need to get a root canal (I think it’s on my upper first molar- there’s 1 tooth between it and my wisdom tooth)

I had an mouth roof injection for a dental procedure a while ago (different dentist from my current dentist) and had a very bad experience. It was so, so painful and it seemed to last forever- I found the whole thing traumatic. I’m not usually bothered by things like needles and didn’t even blink getting other jabs, but I found that injection horrible. Possibly other factors made it seem worse but it’s the only thing I’m genuinely scared of.

It was at the back of my mind as I was in shock I needed to get a root canal at all and I forgot to ask my dentist if I will need an injection in the roof of my mouth. Does anyone know if it’s likely?

Roof injection isn't nice but mine puts a number on which makes it easier.

I've had a couple of root canals and have had injections for them. You can ask for numbing cream to be rubbed on your gums beforehand too which does help a bit.

Just try and remember that the momentary pain from the injection will prevent the pain from the 45 minute root canal. You don't want the root canal without the injection to numb you trust me. I had one incident where i had to have another two injections as the first hadn't numbed me properly - not trying to scare you at all, I don't think that's common.

Im absolutely terrified of the dentist as I always end up having treatment but I actually feel so relieved once the injections done and my mouth is numb of the pain.

Hope this helps x

@the1980s I had a root canal in the same tooth and he didn't inject into the roof of my mouth, I had the one beside it done(further forward) and he did. I think it depends on the position of the tooth. Definitely as pp have said ask for numbing gel first.
And don't worry, you will be fine.

Bless you, OP. Having something traumatic happen with an injection like that can just stay with you, or something traumatic with any dental treatment. I found this online which appears to make the section of the mouth that aligns to the teeth (since you know which tooth you’re having done). He may be able to do it just a bit out from the tooth; I can’t imagine why it would need to be in the center of the roof of your mouth, unless he was trying to perform a complete nerve block to pull a tooth or something. BUT even if this diagram isn’t perfectly correct, it gives you terms you may be able to use with him. Talk before you start. It will only take two minutes to say, “I had a horrible injection right in the center of the roof of my mouth that hurt for quite a long time after. Can we use numbing gel? Can you do the shot slightly off center and still have it be effective?” I even just read a paper for you (I’m in bed rest and boy am I terrible at it) that said what’s in the shot can have a big effect - straight lidocaine was reported as much less painful than lidocaine plus epinephrine. So there are definitely solutions, along with the ones others have mentioned. I’m imagining you’re in pain if you need a root canal, so hopefully soon, this will be fixed, and without with the shot or with a shot and without any pain! Good luck OP

hi op. no we wouldn't give a palatal injection for root canal. usually buccal is enough. the roof of mouth ones are usually only for extractions. hope that helps! (am a dentist)

I wish that all dentists were like mine as he is brilliant. I have only had him for a few years, and I would still be dentist phobic with any other dentist. I told him when I first met him how scared I was, and he talks me through everything. I told him how being injected in the roof of my mouth was my absolutely biggest fear, and yes sometimes I have to have it done, but when he does it, it is fine! That is because he does it very slowly, so he starts off barely scratching the surface, so he is numbing the next bit as he goes, so after the first sharp scratch it doesn't really hurt at all. If you haven't got time to see or speak to your dentist before the procedure, write him a note, or an email explaining how worried you are and why, hopefully he can reassure you, you might even be offered sedation for it - it doesn't send you to sleep, but you are completely relaxed, and can hardly remember anything afterwards. Good luck OP 💐