https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 03:33:31 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1702482 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:14:18 +0000 erwoo 1702482@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have terrible teeth so I feel your pain. I've had multiple root canals by multiple dentists (endodontists) and it really depends on the dentist to have a good experience. The worst part for me is usually getting numbed b/c they have to poke my gums a few times. And, for me, I need more than the usual amount to get me fully numbed and sometimes I get more during the procedure. Also, just a heads up that sometimes they do need to go back in a second time if you're still feeling some pain. Once I had to go back 5 times. It was terrible and I ended up losing the tooth and got an implant instead. What a terrible experience that was. Never went back to see that endodontist again. I believe I also had a one done on another tooth while I was pregnant with my second. I remember sitting in my walk-in closet crying in pain b/c I didn't want my oldest son to see me cry like that. My husband couldn't even help me and all I could take was tylenol until the next day. </p> <p>Someone mentioned about putting on some music. That definitely helps and wear some sun glasses so you don't have to see the bright light the entire time or try to avoid eye contact with your dentist or assistant. Sometimes I just close my eyes and sleep. The dentists here where I'm at in Asia puts a cloth over my entire face, kind of like surgery where there's just the opening for your mouth so no need for sunglasses for me here! Haha! I actually prefer sun glasses b/c I felt a little claustrophobic when he first put the cloth over my face. </p> <p>Hope you are pain free soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1702455 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:08:39 +0000 MrsADS 1702455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, the dentist can't get me in till tomorrow afternoon. His receptionist said if the pain gets worse, they will work me in today.</p> <p>It's really not a bad sharp pain. Just a constant kind of ache. Not horrible, but noticeable. I don't seem to have any more sensitivity than normal to hot/cold. But the pain is just not going away. Ugggh. I need Valium. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1702419 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:59:13 +0000 deactivated_account 1702419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck: oh dear! Root canal while pregnant. You are a tough cookie! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1702413 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:57:51 +0000 deactivated_account 1702413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: i had my crappy general dentist do one of my first root canals. But I had three roots on that tooth or something like that and he didn't get all the roots. Drama ensued thereafter. I'll spare you the gory details but I do ritererate my two pieces of advice above. Good luck, doll! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1702066 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 07:06:16 +0000 wonderstruck 1702066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMcD: I managed to be pregnant for both of mine, so I wasn't made aware of the anti-anxiety option! But yeah I can see that coming in handy.</p> <p>@MrsADS: I've never had one done by a regular dentist, but the endodontist I saw was pretty awesome. I wish I could see him as my regular dentist! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1702063 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 06:57:33 +0000 MrsADS 1702063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks all. I know my general dentist does them, but maybe it would be better to see an endodontist. It just seems like they are digging WAY down into your jaw line into those tooth roots... sounds so so so horrible :sad: </p> <p>And the cost... we have horrible dental insurance so I know it's gonna be expensive.</p> <p>I wish they could just knock me out!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701994 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:38:39 +0000 deactivated_account 1701994@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had two root canals, plus a re-root canal done by drilling through the tooth followed by an apicoectomy. I used to have MAJOR dental anxiety. Here's my tips: (1) have the root canal done by an endodontist, not your general dentist. And, equally as important, (2) Have your dentist prescribe a valium or valium-equivalent to take before your appointment. It will be easy breezy after that. Seriously.</p> <p>ETA: I can't believe no other previous posters mentioned an anti-anxiety! I wouldn't have even been able to walk into the office without one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701938 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 21:45:53 +0000 Katrocap 1701938@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You will be fine if you have to have a root canal. I had one done in April and was freaking out before hand. I don't always respond well to anesthesia, either, so I was worried about that, too. But it isn't painful and there was very little discomfort too. The worst part for me was holding my mouth open. I second @cmomma17's suggestion of listening to music. I made a "Root Canal" playlist and just listened to it and zoned out. It made a HUGE difference to have something to focus on and to not have the dental sounds be as loud. The smell of the procedure bothered me, but wasn't a big deal. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701908 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 21:10:26 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 1701908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's okay! I had one while I was pregnant and needed multiple Novocain shots to be properly numbed but I was never in pain. I was a little sore from keeping my mouth open and sore afterwards from the procedure, but ibuprofen was enough to feel better. Bring an iPod with music or book on tape or podcasts. I listened to a bunch of This American Life episodes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701831 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:47:51 +0000 Greentea 1701831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally go to a place where they sedate me (now!) ... @MrsADS: is that an option? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701827 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:40:48 +0000 Anagram 1701827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: I just recently needed 6 (!) shots of anesthesia on one side for a deep cleaning where they go under the gum line. And I have to go back for the other side which means another 6 shots.</p> <p>My dentist said deep cleanings are more painful than root canals (I've never had one, so I don't know), but it really wasn't as bad as I was afraid it would be. Not that it was pleasant, but it hurt less than other things I've done willingly.</p> <p>They will put a numbing gel on before the shot and it really, really helped. After that, the shots just felt like a tiny pinch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701820 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:34:30 +0000 wonderstruck 1701820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had two root canals and they were both on the very back tooth, which sucks more because you have to go to a specialist and your jaw ends up hurting and blah blah blah. But the actual procedure does not hurt. I also am very very sensitive and I lost track of how many shots I had to get for my root canal - maybe 8? But the only reason I even know about most of those is because the dentist told me he was doing it - once he did the first few I couldn't feel the needle anymore. And anytime I could feel the procedure at all (it was never bad pain, but sometimes I would start to feel discomfort or a bit of pain) he would immediately stop and give me another shot, which like I said, I couldn't feel.</p> <p>Huge roots actually make it easier! Mine are super tiny so they had a really hard time getting down in there to completely clean them out.</p> <p>Oh, and I'm a needle wimp so I NEVER look at the needle. I just close my eyes and they count to three to let me know that it's coming. I had more pain after the procedure was over, but I called and they prescribed me painkillers that took care of it no problem. And they said that it's generally not necessary, but with the very back tooth it's usually harder. You could always ask about pain meds before you leave the office though and get a prescription filled in case you need it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701813 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:25:09 +0000 immabeetoo 1701813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: I freaked out when I had to have one unexpectedly. I paid extra to have the gas in addition to the novacaine, and it was worth every penny. I listened to my ipod and the whole thing was pretty easy. Way less awful than I imagined. I will say my jaw was really sore after - but that's because it was a way back tooth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701799 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:11:18 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1701799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They aren't bad at all! The reason root canals have such a bad rep is because, back in the old days, dentists didn't treat w/ antibiotics to kill the infection BEFORE doing the root canal. The infection would prevent the anesthesia from working, so the patient would be in pain. Now, the treat the infection first and can give you meds to rake the edge off if you're still anxious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701798 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:02:26 +0000 singingbee 1701798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had one when I was 7 weeks pregnant. I HATE THE DENTIST. It ended up being the best thing ever. Totally okay and I felt so much better. I'm getting better about the dentist and everything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701797 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:01:00 +0000 jhd 1701797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DH had a root canal recently. It really wasn't too bad &amp; he also has very sensitive teeth. I hope you can get it done soon so you can feel better. Try not to worry in the meantime. You will be ok! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701784 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 18:47:34 +0000 cmomma17 1701784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The more relaxed you can get, the better it will be. I have had two root canals, one of which was an emergency! Both weren't bad at all. Try to find some ways to calm yourself in the dental chair .... concentrate on your breathing, listen to music if you can, think positive thoughts, maybe meditate? Also, if your dentist saying things like "you have really long roots" freaks you out more - communicate to them! Me personally, I need little to no information! I ask my dentist to only tell me things I absolutely need to know! I just want them to work and get it over with, not stop to explain details. I also tell them I'd rather not see any of the tools, shots, etc. I close my eyes and go to my happy place! :) you will be okay! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701781 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 18:44:43 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1701781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: Dont freak out about needing a root canal until your dentist has confirmed you actually need one!</p> <p>I recently had two large cavities filled and my teeth were sensitive for about a week following the fillings. I'm okay now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701780 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 18:43:19 +0000 mamimami 1701780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I posted about this a few months back and everyone calmed me down. I had to have TWO root canals and they weren't so bad. Don't worry. For me it was the same or easier than a filling... The anesthesia is always the worst part but in this case we made damn sure it was all deadened :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-i-need-a-root-canal-i-am-freaking-out#post-1701775 Sun, 15 Jun 2014 18:39:52 +0000 MrsADS 1701775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Someone talk me down... I have some dental anxiety to start with. I got a horrible toothache last weekend and went to the dentist last Monday. I had chipped a filling so that was the cause. The dentist was quickly able to fix it up and I felt better for a few days.</p> <p>Starting Friday, I have started having some discomfort in the same area, and tonight it is REALLY hurting. I am thinking I got an infection in the tooth from the exposed area when the filling was chipped and I'm gonna have to have a root canal... ahhh I am freaking out! </p> <p>Anyone had a root canal and can talk me down? I'm so worried about pain - the dentist only had to do a tiny bit of drilling last week and it took 3 (!) shots to finally get me numb enough. He says I have huge roots and very sensitive teeth.</p> <p>I'm so scared :sad: </p>