Apr 23 2009

The Two Most Dreaded Words

Posted in All Posts, Everyday Life, Misc.

I had a phone conversation the other day with my dentist and during this conversation I heard two of the most dreaded words in the English language:  Root Canal.

By themselves, the words are perfectly harmless.  A root is simply the part of the plant that is underground.

root

And a canal is man-made channel that is used for water like this one that is found in the resort town of Warnemunde.

canal

Pretty harmless, right?  But together, the words root and canal mean something altogether different.  They mean this:

root-canal

Looks painful doesn’t it?  Painful and expensive.  That’s what I was thinking when the dentist told me that he thinks this will be the next step.  I’ve been having problems with this tooth for a couple of months, ever since he replaced the crown that had fallen off.   Since it has continued to hurt, I’ve gone back every two weeks since and had him shave down the tooth with the hopes of correcting the bite.  After this last visit, which produced little improvement, he gave me the bad news.

The good news is that apparently root canal procedures have changed a great deal since I last had one 15 years ago.  I read that they are considered no worse than getting a filling, that they are not nearly as painful as they once were, and that they don’t take as long to get done as they used to.  That’s good news, right?

So why am I so nervous about it?

Have you ever had a root canal?  Please tell me that you survived it…

RELATED POSTS:

Going to the Dentist, Painful in More Ways Than One


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36 comments

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The Wife of Odie - April 23, 2009 - 3:41 am

Haha, I love the root and canal pictures. Too funny. And I’ve never had one. But I’ll bring you smoothies after you get it done.

The Wife of Odie´s last blog post..getting pregnant ???

Julie - April 23, 2009 - 3:53 am

I haven’t but my dad had like 4 root canals when I was a kid (never put your baby to bed with a bottle especially if that bottle has milk or juice in it. ruins the teeth). He survived. He hated it though. But I have no idea how they have changed since that was a long time ago. Sorry. I’m sure that you will be fine.

Julie´s last blog post..I Don’t Have to Be Me ‘Til Monday

Joanna - April 23, 2009 - 4:09 am

I have had one.

And it wasn’t done right so I had to have it done again a year later.

My (second) dentist said that’s very unusual, though, so don’t worry about it.

Mine was done about five/six years ago. The worst part (for me) was the achy jaws from holding your mouth open that long. And the wait between the root canal and the getting of the permanent crown (was about two weeks for me). But that was more the inconvenience of chewing only on one side. And then after getting the permanent crown, having that weird feeling of having something extra in your mouth. How it feels all strange and you keep noticing it and wondering if it’ll ever feel normal again and then one day it finally does and eventually you can just chew and you don’t even think about it anymore. That one might just be me, though.

Anyway, it wasn’t too bad, really. I’m not asking to have another one, but if I had to do so, I’d rather do that than have them yank the tooth out!

You’ll do great! You’ve already got a Bringer of Smoothies … a job second only to Keeper of the Pain Meds.

Joanna´s last blog post..MORE Sun?

Kristy - April 23, 2009 - 5:03 am

Good luck! I have no experience to share, but I hope it goes well for you and you find relief.

Kristy´s last blog post..Granola Mom?

Heidi - April 23, 2009 - 5:04 am

Those big ‘ol tree roots are beautiful.

I wish I could say, “I feel your pain,” but I haven’t been to a dentist in 15 years. I just haven’t gotten around to it.

Seriously. I’m in a whole heap of trouble, aren’t I?

Heidi´s last blog post..I’m still here!

Jenna @ Newlyweds - April 23, 2009 - 5:25 am

I haven’t had one either, but I can promise it won’t be so bad, just ask for a relaxer, and laughing gas, lol!

Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog post..Meet the Newlyweds Cole and Aaron

Eryn - April 23, 2009 - 5:36 am

My husband had one a few years ago. He said it was worth it because he felt so much better afterward!

Eryn´s last blog post..God pulled one over on us…

Briony - April 23, 2009 - 5:45 am

The dentist always make me nervous, I love the feeling after I leave but I always hate going. I’ve never had a root canal and pray I won’t need one any time soon.

I guess I would just encourage you to keep in mind that the pain will be gone once it is done. Focus on that!

Briony´s last blog post..invisible children : the rescue

Ambulance Mommy - April 23, 2009 - 5:55 am

ooh, I haven’t had one, but my sister has. I guess its worth it in the end…much like childbirth :)

Ambulance Mommy´s last blog post..Amazing…..

the domestic fringe - April 23, 2009 - 6:36 am

Never had a root canal and never want one. I just had my first cavity filled and that’s enough dental work for me.

I feel your pain already. Get lots of novicane.

-FringeGirl

Margie - April 23, 2009 - 6:47 am

I had one but it was many, many years ago and I don’t remember it being all that bad. I’ll tell you what bad is though, that’s having 20+ removed at once and dentures put in immediately upon removal. So, that said, bad or not, get it done. And make sure they crown it so it won’t break. But really, I don’t think it will be too bad.

M to T&D&D&A&T - April 23, 2009 - 6:57 am

I’ve had two and both went very well. I had a totally awesome specialist and she put me right at ease (after I told her of my fear of root canals and all the aweful things I’d heard about them). It really wasn’t painful – they took care of that for sure. On my second visit this office had installed a hand waxing booth. You’d have your hands dipped and wrapped and then they did the root canal while you sat there with hands warm and hopefully you were relaxed. (I have to admit I was much more relaxed than normal for me). There were only two things that was difficult – holding your mouth open for a long time makes your jaws sore for a few days and the cost of the procedure – ouch!!! But to be free of pain is worth the cost…..so hold on to that thought. It won’t be as bad as you may be thinking and you’ll feel SO much better once your pain is gone. I’ll be thinking of you and so glad you have a promised smoothie when it’s completed.

Mindee@ourfrontdoor - April 23, 2009 - 7:30 am

I had one on my front tooth after I fell down the stairs and landed on my face. That was in 1982 though so I don’t know that the experience is still relevant.

Definitely spring for the laughing gas. It’s worth every penny.

Mindee@ourfrontdoor´s last blog post..Swimsuit Shopping

Robynn's Ravings - April 23, 2009 - 7:46 am

I’ve had six – one of them three times. British genes and no tooth care as a child, what can I say. Bring a book on your MP3 player and zone. Recommendation? Make sure they do it all in one sitting. The kind where they do just part and make you come back go south much easier. That’s the one I kept having to redo. One and you’re done? That’s the way to go. Not fun but, when they’re done right, lots of pain relief.

Robynn’s Ravings´s last blog post..Twins? YOU Be The Judge.

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com - April 23, 2009 - 8:32 am

I’ve never had one, sorry. I think the extent of my dental woes has been, um, having a cavity filled. Good luck!

Serene - April 23, 2009 - 8:40 am

Uh nope, no root canal for me!
Should I knock on wood or something?

Serene´s last blog post..Would You Like To Be Me?

Catherine - April 23, 2009 - 8:42 am

Oh icky!! I’m sorry :( I’m thankful that I’ve only had two small cavities and my teeth are hard as rocks (due the copious amounts of fluoride I took when I was a kid). Good luck and it cannot be as bad as getting your wisdom teeth pulled!

Kristina - April 23, 2009 - 8:44 am

I’ve had a lot of cavities, but fortunately, no root canals. But I’ve heard the same thing as you as far as the pain goes.

Kristina´s last blog post..I Was Spammed

Sabrina - April 23, 2009 - 9:22 am

I have had a few, most were ok and a couple were not. I’ll not share those cause I wouldn’t want to freak anyone out. :-) Overall though, I was glad afterward that the pain was gone.

Cody - April 23, 2009 - 10:01 am

I’ve never had one… and I hope I never do. Then again, I had a really crappy dentist that eventually went to jail for tax evasion or fraud or something. All my fillings fell out and one of my teeth sort of crumbled. The dentist is not my friend.

Still, though… I imagine your dentist is fine and that everything will go well. Good luck!

Cody´s last blog post..TRANSFOOOORM!

Courtney - April 23, 2009 - 10:09 am

I really, really dislike the dentist. So I pray that I never have to have a root canal done.

Courtney´s last blog post..Picture of the Day 112

Annie - April 23, 2009 - 10:52 am

Just stumbled upon your blog and thought I would leave a comment. I worked as a Dental Assistant for 5 years and have helped with MANY root canals… and had one. In all my experience, root canals are really not that bad. People are always so afraid of them and then when they are all done they are surprised @ how simple they are. You do have to hold your mouth open for a long time while they measure files, but ask for a bite block. If you don’t have an infection or an abcess then it should be pretty straight forward. I come from a family of dentists and my brother is an Endodontist… if there is any weird anatomy on the tooth, see the specialist and don’t let your general DMD/DDM worry about it… best to get it right the first time! Good luck!

p.s. doesn’t even compare to childbirth….

Sam - April 23, 2009 - 11:03 am

I’ve had two. They were both as “comfortable” as getting a cavity filled if not more comfortable because they gave me extra numbing medication. You will feel so relieved when the pain is gone (usually as soon as the numbing wears off) and you can drink a cold drink without cringing again.

It is usually a two step process. You’ll get a temporary crown first and then go back for the permanent crown in a few weeks, unless your endodontist is really cool and can make the crown ahead of time. It’s also usually an expensive process unless you have a really great dental plan. I only have a good dental plan and still pay 50% (translation: several hundred dollars).

Did you get your braces on yet? I’m curious how you are dealing with a root canal and braces.

Elise - April 23, 2009 - 11:20 am

I am so happy it’s you and not me…

Angela - April 23, 2009 - 1:26 pm

Hoping you were hoping to hear from me on this topic. No worries about the RCT. I have assisted on many – they are easy – they are nothing like they used to be. I’ve also had one – the worst part was the jaw fatigue. Take a couple Advil before the appointment to help with that. You really shouldn’t need Rx pain meds after a RCT. You might need an antibiotic, but your DDS will make that decision. My advice to you is to relax through the whole thing, and take your favorite music with you…that always makes me feel more at ease (and I’ve worked in dental for 15 years!)

Angela´s last blog post..Happy Earth Day

erin - April 23, 2009 - 1:35 pm

I’ve never had a root canal so can’t offer you any advice there. All I can say is, I haven’t been in 5 years because I’m terrified of the dentist, so I admire your courage!

erin´s last blog post..green birthday/earth day giveaway!

Jenny - April 23, 2009 - 1:57 pm

I’ve never had one either. Even so, I would dread hearing those words!

That reminds me though that I need to make a dentist appointment!

Jenny´s last blog post..Go Green…Spring Clean..Recycle your electronics for free…

Spring girl - April 23, 2009 - 4:06 pm

Never had one, but just the D word (dentist) makes me shudder. I would have crawled under my bed and refused to come out if I’d received a call from the dentist!

Spring girl´s last blog post..On judging and being judged

Daphne - April 23, 2009 - 4:34 pm

I had a root canal a few years back and was very nervous about it. Turned out that the hardest part was having to keep my mouth open so much, as the muscles get tired after a while.

After the initial two pin pricks where they inject the anaesthetic into your gums, you don’t actually feel much pain. The actual deep drilling is not painful at all, you just feel it as a dull distant noise. So don’t worry about it.

Daphne´s last blog post..7 Kreativ Posts on the Dance of Life

admin - April 23, 2009 - 6:27 pm

what great advice – and I’m glad that so many of you survived unscathed. There is hope after all! And you’re right, it’s got to be better than this constant throbbing and sensitivity. I’m going to hold out as long as I can, but it won’t be too much longer. Oh – and I’m still getting my braces. In fact, I go next week to get my molds made for the Invisilign. Wahoo!

Ali @ Kent Chronicles - April 23, 2009 - 10:58 pm

Sorry – can’t help. I’m overdue for a root canal and am TOO TERRIFIED to go in!! I can’t handle the thought of those danged needles!
If you survive, then MAYBE I’ll go in. Next year. Or the year after.

Ali @ Kent Chronicles´s last blog post..Friday POD

V. Higgins - April 24, 2009 - 8:51 am

I actually work for a dental supply company so I would recommend a couple things to make the process easier.
1 – Does your dentist have a Waterlase MD with the Endo kit? This could be a big help as you won’t have to hear that nasty drill and it maintanes a lot more of the natural tooth.
2 – Ask your dentist about the E4D, it’s a CAD/CAM system where they scan your prepared tooth and can do the crown THAT day, it only takes about an hour to make the crown. No temporaries, no multiple visits.
Personally those two tools have completely revolutionized my dental experience. Please feel free to researcht them online or email me with any questions.
Best of luck!!

Jerichohill - April 24, 2009 - 10:52 am

Tabitha,

Greetings from a fellow Alexandrian. I had the bad news of a root canal last year, and it was my fault because I didn’t go to the dentist like I should.

I am a total coward when it comes to needles and pain, so the root canal really scared me. I can say that I was very, very scared. I shouldn’t have been. The most painful part was the lidocaine. It actually is powerful enough to cause a little shaking. After that, nothing. Blissful nothing. Didn’t have to have much aspirin either afterwards.

The docs I had were in Falls Church. They were great. If they’re covered by your insurance, pay them a visit.

Levin, Leff & Pollock, Ltd
(703) 534-4884

Cricket - April 24, 2009 - 11:51 am

My root canal story is one filled with horror and utimately failure 15 years later. Yeah… Did you know a root canal can fail? Neither did I so make sure your dentist gets out all of the root! Make him pinkie swear he did it! A combined total of 28 shots, a broken tool, oral surgery and 8 stitches so I won’t go into details but I will tell you that mine is NOT the norm and despite it all I did survive and so will you. Did I mention that I have a needle phobia!??!

Look at the bright side, the worst that can happen did happen to me and like I said…I survived and so will you. Dentistry is so much better today than 15 years ago so it is all good. :c)

sparkl;y_jules - April 24, 2009 - 10:52 pm

I had one on the tooth next to my right eye tooth a year ago January. It was the most painless dental procedure I’ve ever had. No pain. Zip. Zero. But then again my dentist is wonderful. The tooth was infected–during finals week, of course!–and was so huge that the right side of my face swelled up so badly that I was unrecognizable and my right eye was nearly swollen shut–it was massive. And that was after 7 days on antibiotics!!

The tooth is fine, now, and after he finished I went home and had lunch. You will be fine, especially if you trust your dentist. Good luck!

Jules

Alzo - April 25, 2009 - 5:19 am

I have had many root canals. My first two were about 25 years ago. In those days, they really could hurt! This is where they got their bad reputations. Nowadays, though, with the advances in technology, they are a piece of cake. Easier and less painful than getting a cavity filled. The only thing that hurts about a root canal now (at least in my experience), is paying for it. Good luck, and I loved the pictures.

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