Probably Need a Root Canal
By angel_smiles
@Lolaze (5092)
St. Louis, Missouri
September 11, 2015 2:51pm CST
I found out Wednesday night that I have an abscess above my upper molars. They aren't sure yet if it can be fixed with just antibiotics and a normal filling, or if I will need a root canal once I've finished a week of antibiotics. I was very upset to find out that my dentist won't be the one to do it if I need a root canal...there is a male dentist in her office who does it then. That isn't a very good thing for me, I get pretty freaked out and violent towards male doctors of any type. Plus I've found out it means having basically my entire mouth filled with a fake latex 'guard' that I know is going to gag me...from what it seems like that will be in my mouth for hours with no break - leaving me unable to close my mouth or do anything.
Has anyone reading this had a root canal? Care to fill me in on all the details?
10 people like this
9 responses
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
11 Sep 15
Yes and it did not hurt a bit Zola.
I have only had one.
They numbed the area and all they do is something like drilling but it is not really literally drilling, they just extract the nerve and root of the tooth.
It was over before I knew it and I hate going to the dentist.
So dont worry it is fine.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
11 Sep 15
This is a good response that makes things more clear and possibly less frightening.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
11 Sep 15
I have had some in the past. Never had the mouth guard. I do not remember much. I had one where they did not get all the way down the root and that dentist put in a temporary filling. I did not remember him telling me that, and I did not see the dentist often. Five years down the road it developed an infection and I had to go to an oral surgeon for an apicoectomy, that is where they cut through the side of your gum and get the root. Knowing that you may have this procedure, start with the positive self talk now. Tell yourself how it is good they are choosing the best dentist for the job and how well you will do with it.
3 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
11 Sep 15
Oh no you got an infection way after the fact GG? That was too bad. I did not mine was fine so far and that was around 15 yrs ago.
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27978)
• United States
15 Sep 15
I never has a root canal. But I heard they are mainly annoying. It is something I would always want to avoid. Hopefully the antibiotics work for you. If not, then go in with an open mind. Really. If it needs to be done, get it done. You will be better off for it.
@Novelangel (394)
• United States
12 Sep 15
Myself, I like the guard because it keeps me from seeing the chips and smoke that fly out of my mouth while they are working in there. It also helps you hold your mouth open more comfortably, while they fiddle around for decades in there. ;) Don't fear that rubber guard...embrace it.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (40026)
• Toccoa, Georgia
11 Sep 15
Sorry about that. My husband has had two root canals done in the past 10 years. He hated it. I just hope I never have to have one done.
1 person likes this
@rakski (156300)
• Philippines
12 Sep 15
if you are not at ease with a male dentist I think you should ask your dentist to recommend a female one that she can endorse you to. Having a root canal entails a lot of hours with the dentist so it should be someone you will be comfortable with.
2 people like this
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
12 Sep 15
I agree. Ask for a lady if you think that you will be more comfortable!!
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
13 Sep 15
Yes - I had several done and it was okay and although I tend to gag - well - I didn't. You will be fine
@writerjo (2540)
• India
12 Sep 15
@Lolaze Luckily I don't have root canal . 
But my sister was much troubled with her teeth problem .
She spent much for that and now she is almost alright . 
What you said is correct . 
Yes some male dentist's will not handle it smooth .
Ladies could not tolerate the pain .
One of my friend is a Dentist who has his own clinic .
He share that experience sometimes with me ..
But my sister was much troubled with her teeth problem .
She spent much for that and now she is almost alright .
What you said is correct .
Yes some male dentist's will not handle it smooth .
Ladies could not tolerate the pain .
One of my friend is a Dentist who has his own clinic .
He share that experience sometimes with me .. @Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
12 Sep 15
I have had that procedure done and I didn't like the idea of the guard either but it turned out to be no big deal at all and each appointment was easier than I thought. You will do just fine. I have very soft teeth?? and I have had root canals on both sides of my mouth. I just close my eyes and day dream until they tell me to get up. You will feel nothing!
