I had an impromptu root canal today

[Ellen Forradalom]

Ho hum, just another day, fixed some bugs, wrote some emails...got an unexpected root canal.

The terrors of root canals are much overstated. When the dentist told me what it would take to stabilize the tooth and stop the pain, I said, fine, do it to it. The dentist was very good, explained everything, worked efficiently, did it all on just one shot of anesthetic. I felt no pain. I find all that activity in my mouth merely annoying, not terrifying.

[Catshrink]

1. Ho hum..

I'm glad it was "uneventful." I've had two root canals and both were painless -- but I needed several shots of anesthetic to numb the tooth. For one of them, he put me on antibiotics for 10 days before he would work on it because it was infected. No wonder it hurt!

Take care of yourself. I don't know if you've had one before or not but just in case you haven't... you may have some pain just from the agitation in your mouth. All that filing and drilling can aggravate the surrounding nerves. Motrin took care of it for me and I used an ice pack briefly. I hope this doesn't happen, but be prepared for it.

[Ellen Forradalom]

9. I seem to still be OK

A bit sore, but it's different from the pre-root canal pain.

[hedgehog]

2. I praise dentists and modern dentistry frequently

In an earlier age I would be missing a lot of teeth or even dead from an abscessed tooth. A root canal can be annoying because you have to sit there with your mouth open so long, but it sure beats an empty spot in your gum line! Some are more complicated than others - did you know that sometimes a molar can have 5 roots, not 4 - but as i said, it sure beats the alternative.

[Ellen Forradalom]

10. Their contribution to modern health is underappreciated

I agree, they've really come a long way in making these procedures tolerable.

[Catshrink]

13. Vet dental care is really underappreciated!

When I've had my cats' teeth cleaned, they become different cats. It's like they were in pain but couldn't tell me. They become very affectionate and cuddly. ONe had two teeth pulled that were impacted but how would I know? The vet just said they had tartar build up and needed a cleaning.

Glad you're feeling okay.

[bigwillq]

3. Hope you feel better!

:hug: Doesn't seem like it was so bad.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

4. My root canal is one of my better memories. . .

I as little and they pumped me full of anti pain stuff, two shots of novacaine and some laughing gas pretty much extinguishes your entire sense of feeling in the affected area.

[barb162]

7. the laughing gas is the greatest stuff

[Ellen Forradalom]

11. Good lord, so what's your WORST memory?

It is a rare person who counts a root canal as a happy memory!

Never had the laughing gas, but I hear it's something.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. When I see "Impromptu", I think "Chopin"...

not dentist drills... :rofl:

I hope all went well... :hug:

[Ellen Forradalom]

12. I suppose now when I think Chopin

I'll think root canals.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. I hope not!

:D

[barb162]

6. how many more trips do you have

Once the pain is over though, it's a RELIEF!

[Ellen Forradalom]

8. One more

to build the tooth back up, and a visit for a crown.

[barb162]

14. I had SIX trips for one root canal

[Deep13]

16. It is a finess procedure.

The dentist either gets it or not. The majority of mine went smootly, but a few were horrific.

[NewWaveChick1981]

17. Glad it turned out well for you.

:hug: I have had one root canal before, and the worst part about it was the ice test (OMG! :scared:) and the bill afterward. My dental insurance paid half, but root canals aren't cheap. :(

My husband has congenital dental problems, and every tooth in his mouth has a crown. About half have had root canals. He falls asleep in the chair whenever he has a root canal because it's routine to him.

You should be fine from here on out! :D :hug: