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Original poster

Stupid question about root canals.

17 replies

RockLover · 20/03/2011 14:14

Can any of you that have needed a root canal tell me what your symptoms were?

I am a bit of a dental phobe and I have noticed that one of my molars with an old amalgam filling in hurts very slightly when I chew. The filling is a big one so I know it could just be sensitivity or that I just need the filling replaced, however I have convinced myself I need a root canal Confused.

I should add that I went to the dentist less than 6 months ago (for the first time in about 3 years) and had a filling replaced. However as I was pregnant I couldn't have an x-ray done which I know is usually done with a new dentist. I had DS 6 weeks ago and I know that pregnancy can wreak havoc with your teeth and gums which is worrying me even more.

I have no toothache, no abcess, all I have had is a tiny bit of bleeding from the bit of gum next to the tooth (but think that was from flossing). I brush my teeth 2-3 times a day and I have started using mouthwash. I am going to make a dentist appt for this week to put my mind at rest. I know I sound a bit loopy, but I have an irrational fear of having a root canal, so I just wanted to know what other people's experiences were.

Thanks :).

OP posts:
KatyMac · 20/03/2011 14:17

Large (baked bean or larger) swollen lump on side of my jaw
Lymph glands swollen and sore
Feeling half dead

I needed a root canal - the pain was intense, very intense

bellavita · 20/03/2011 14:21

Mine have come with unbearable toothache and infection.

I am currently midway through root canal treatment - my tooth sort of erupted at the side because of the build of infection and it pushed a hole through the side of the tooth. It kept bleeding. When the dentist started the treatment, he could not stop the bleeding Sad. He ended up injecting into my nerve which hurt like buggery.

The root canal treatment I had before this was because I had an abscess on the side of my gum where the tooth meets it.

Not very pleasant experiences, but the end result is worth it.

DuplicitousBitch · 20/03/2011 14:22

i had one recently. the actually procedure is painless if a little weird. worth it to get rid of pain. just go to the dentist, an hour or so of minor discomfort is worth it.

Original poster
RockLover · 20/03/2011 18:40

Thanks all for your experiences. I haven't got toothache or an abcess, so I'm hoping things aren't too bad. However, I have heard you can need a root canal even if you don't have any symptoms at all, hence my worry.

But yes, I'll be a big brave girl and make an appt tomorrow, in fact I tried to make an appt via their online system last week, but they never got back to me.

I really hope it's nothing too horrid that needs to be done.

OP posts:
therugratref · 20/03/2011 18:44

DB I am glad your root canal was painfree, you were one of the lucky ones, mine was agony. I also needed injecting directly into nerve. I get the second stage next week.
I had 6 months of a sensitive to cold tooth then a horrible toothache/abscess

amerryscot · 20/03/2011 18:47

I had a root canal because of a painless blister on my gum.

HubertVonRumple · 20/03/2011 18:48

WOW! Way to reassure the dental-phobe poster Hmm

RockLover, hopefully it will just be a filling that you need. Apart from the very brief discomfort of the injection there's no pain involved in that. I try and just get very zen about the whole thing and take myself off to place in my head as I find the whole dental experience very frightening too. I don't know whether the dentist would mind but I have thought about taking earphones and an ipod next time.

emsyj · 20/03/2011 18:51

I had root canal on two teeth as they had huge fillings in them and the teeth were weakened and shattered. I had root canal before having crowns fitted so wasn't in pain at the time.

The procedure was quite long but NOT painful. I am a total dentist wimp and didn't sleep for a week beforehand. I even made DH take a day off work to come and hold my hand Blush - but I sent him home after a few minutes as it was really fine.

emsyj · 20/03/2011 18:53

Oh, and I couldn't feel the injection at all as the endodontist noted my mild hysteria and terror and gave me some magic numby gel before injecting! Didn't feel it at all.

Amaris · 20/03/2011 18:58

My root canal started with generalised pain and sensitivity to heat around the tooth (though I found it difficult to say exactly which tooth), which progressively got worse through feeling like I'd been kicked in the head and then a feeling generally shivery and achy. I have to say that the procedure was fine, not really any worse than sitting through a particularly bad meeting at work! (You know your work is too stressful when a visit to the dentist is a welcome relief). And I've had no problems since. Get it checked out - if it's nothing then at least you know, if it's root canal problems then you'll be really pleased you did.

DillyDaydreaming · 20/03/2011 19:06

Another "root canal work is painless with the numbing injection" people. Last time I had one I didn't feel a thing after the actual injection. Am returning for a further one next week and am feeling okay about it.

Original poster
RockLover · 20/03/2011 21:24

I keep pushing at the tooth with my tongue and I seem to have made it more sensitive. Feels like it's throbbing, yet there is no pain...very weird.

I have looked at my gum with a dentist mirror thingy and it all looks normal. I think I have been clenching my jaw when I sleep which i do when I am stressed, so wondering if this had had an affect as I am having random sensitivity in other teeth hich I know to be fine.

I am officially mental Blush.

OP posts:
Original poster
RockLover · 20/03/2011 21:24

which*

OP posts:
DuplicitousBitch · 21/03/2011 09:52

therugrat - i don't think mine was particularly unusual. and yes i had injections straight into each nerve. maybe i am just dead hard!

anyway rocklover - go to the dentist it will be fine

munstersmum · 21/03/2011 10:04

I had to have root canal on fromt tooth after DS as toddler accidently headbutted me. Dentist told me it would be done without injection as nerve already dead. Let's just say I was not convinced & was a gibbering wreck he realised it. Blush Every two mins he checked I still couldn't feel anything & promised me an injection if at anytime I could. Never felt such a wimp in life but have to say not a twinge.

Original poster
RockLover · 21/03/2011 10:37

Bummer, just phoned dentist, they have my six month check up booked for the 18th of April and can't fit me in before then unless it's an emergency!

Receptionist asked if I had toothache and was in pain and I had to admit no, just slight discomfort when chewing sometimes. She said if that was the case they had no "normal" appts before my cehck-up date. Bloody NHS!

I'm hoping that I don't get a toothache in the mean time and I'll just have to carry on making sure my teeth and gums are very clean. I can't lie about pain to get an emergency appt as the dentist will obviously know that I'm not in great discomfort, so I'll just have to wait it out. :(

OP posts:
feelingafailure · 21/03/2011 11:10

think fear of the denist is real.i had such a bad tooth ache,i nearly killed my self with pain killers had root canal on my tooth.lasted for a few years.stopped the tooth ache.i always feel bad at dentists.feel like i never clean my teeth.but i do 3 times a day.

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