Root canal before or after holiday

[skgnome]

Just looking for general wisdom / experiences here

i just got told I need a root canal treatment

I need 3 appointments:

1. Remove root, clean, temporary filling
2. finish treatment, permanent filling
3. crown to the tooth

2-4 weeks between visits 1 and 2 and then a month after back for the crown

dentist cannot start treatment until end of month, and we have a holiday mid July

so my options for treatment are:

1. get it asap, which means I would go on holiday the day after the permanent filling is done
2. start just before the holiday (would mean going on holiday with a temporary filling)
3. wait to have the treatment after the holiday

I’m aware they all have it’s risks

1. I had some issues in the past being uncomfortable after a dental treatment and need to get it fixed / painkillers needed (which could be the case if I travel with a new filling)
2. going with a temporary filling sounds ok, but don’t fancy spending time and money on a dentist while on holiday if it breaks
3. i already have an infection- on penicillin just now, so again chance of getting an infection if I wait too long

congrats if you made it this far… and yes, please tell me what would you do?

I'd go for the option of getting it started earlier and travelling with the permanent filling. I've had one recently and it was so much more comfortable when the root canal work had been completed. The permanent filling was fine. Only thing to note is the crown will also be 2 appointments - to prep and take the moulds and to fit. For me they did the crown prep 2 weeks after the root canal was finished then it was 2 weeks for the permanent crown. I would avoid travelling with a temporary crown (the permanent filling before this was fine) if possible.

On the basis of my own experience, I would get at least the first step done before a holiday. Root canal pain can be brutal and would ruin any holiday.

I'd probably start before and travel with a temp filling. Getting it done beforehand may not work if things run late. I'd take a temporary filling kit with you though. Mine fell out after 2 weeks and it was a nightmare.

thanks for the answers, honestly I’m dreading it so was trying to avoid- although I know it needs to be done…
have called and got earlier appointments so will hopefully will have the permanent filling a week before the holiday, and will come back to get the crown

I was in the exact same situation. My dentist advised to get at least step 1 done before holiday as pre that is when it’s most likely to cause you serious pain if it suddenly flares up.

personally, i would have it extracted now and be all healed up for holiday.

But then I have only had one root canal and it was a nightmare, it hurt from the moment it was started for 3 months until I finally asked the dentist to extract it and the tooth fell apart, it must have cracked when it was done or something, i would never have another

I lived with mine with just a permanent filling for a few years before having it crowned, so I would have that bit done before holiday as it's the most stable stage bar having the crown fitted. And it means your infection risk should be gone and you don't risk fucking up a temp filling.

I'd get it done ASAP. I've quite a lot of experience of temporary fillings and for me they usually breakdown. If you leave it it's quite likely to flare up and spoil your holiday.

Same. Which tooth is it @skgnome ?
Another factor is that I’ve had ‘grumbling teeth’ flare up a few times on holiday- possibly due to flying. And another factor 😂
Where are you going? I’ve had cheap and amazing dental care in Spain, China and Greece as a result of the aforementioned flaring up due to flying.

Thanks everyone, managed to get an earlier appointment and will manage to get the root canal and permanent filling done before the holiday- and will come back for the crown
@Lamelie - going to Greece, so worst case I’m hopping I can get some decent treatment

I am getting the second part done next Monday and then going to Croatia for a week. The first part was fine and only hurt for about 24hours but was manageable with Ibuprofen.

I've had the 1st part done yesterday and temp filling in so hoping it holds til I get back from hols begin July

Totally before

100% get it done asap. The pain if it gets badly infected will ruin your holiday.

root canal treatment is not awful - just takes time over 3 appointments.