root canal treatment

[efmach]

I have a huge filling in one of my upper back molars that the dentist had to refil a few days ago. He said the next time it caused problems I would need root canal treatment. Unfortunately my tooth is still sensitive and aches so it looks like I might have to go down that route.
I've heard that the treatment can be painful and not always successful.
Has anyone got any good experiences of this to cheer me up?
I really can't face a tooth extraction as an alternative. What a coward!!!

efmach, the fact that the tooth is still sensitive and achey doesn't necessarily mean it will need further work soon, I have usually found that the sheer size of molars means that when you have had a problem with one and then had work done it can take quite a while before it stops being uncomfortable and settles down.

However I have also had loads of root canal fillings done and the injection/s is the worst bit, closely followed by the length of time you have to have your mouth open, and how efficient or not the nurse is with the little hoover. I think mine have always been successful at the time.

Good luck - hope the tooth does settle down this time and you don't need anything else doing for ages!

efmach if the filling was only done a few days ago and it still aches a bit don't worry too much, this does not necessarily mean it will need root filled . The teeth can hurt a bit before calming down.

I'm in a bit of a rush just now but will post more later.

won't need to add to janhs concise reply which was obviously typed at the same time as my last post

Thank you so much for your replies. I sit here at the computer still worrying about the sensitivity and dull ache of my refilled molar. I think you are absolutely right, it might take a few more days to settle down. Although I am worried about the fact that the filling is right next to the nerve (that's how big my cavity is!!)
I can't believe how much my teeth have deteriorated since having kiddies. Actually, it's probably age related and I'm in denial!!!

Spacemonkey just had root canal treatment done on the 17th so she should be able to help you. Come in Spacemonkey!!

Just had root canal done - it was a Godsend. The toothache started on a Saturday, on Sunday it got much worse, and by Monday could not even go to work - which is a big deal for me! Had root canal that day - and wanted to hug the doctor after.

The root canal went great, and I have had no pain since.

Good luck! I had always been terrified of having root canal done, but it turned out to be just fine...

efmach - I've been away so have just picked up this thread. I started a similar thread about 2 weeks ago (under other subjects). I had to have 2 fillings and the dentist said that since one of them was near the nerve I might have to have root canal treatment. Not what you want to hear at 34 weeks pregnant! Luckily nothing has flared up and looking at dental web sites I think this is just a warning by the dentist for possible complications, so it might be that you never need the RCT, which is what I'm hoping. I've also recently started using Sensodyne toothpaste as it got really good reviews from people who suffered a lot with sensitive teeth.
Bron - I too have had huge problems with teeth during pregnancy which is very frustrating as I do look after them and in my experience dentists and hygienists give the impression of thinking you are just using pregnancy as an excuse for the problems. The rapid deterioration of my teeth during both my pregnancies would put me off having a third baby. The only benefit is a lessening of my fear of the dentist as I've now spent so much time there and faced my biggest fear of a tooth extraction.