What to do... what to do...

[lady_m]

On Saturday the dentist told me I need to have a root canal.  I have a crack in the tooth and it is causing horrible pain.  I was supposed to go in on Wednesday for a follow up to make sure the infection was gone and to schedule the root canal.  I called today because the pain is getting worse.  I wanted to see if I could push up the appointment and get it done sooner.  Of course she offers to call in meds (I said no).  I guess my main question is for those of you who have had root canals, was it always necessary to take something for pain afterwards?

[lady_m]

Thanks everyone.  Apparentely I had one at 16 and totally forgot about it.  Once my mom reminded me I thought back and don't remember it being bad.  Like R2R said, the pain I'm having before is worse than anything I could have during or after.  My dentist said Ibuprofin 800 is great for dental work because it helps the pain and inflammation at the same time.  Unfortunately I've had a stomach surgery that makes Ibuprofin hard to handle so I rarely take it.  That is why she is so quick to offer the vikes. I told my husband I'm going to start telling doctors that I'm allergic to it - then they won't try to give it to me.

Tim - I really have had my share of pain the last few days.  I'll be happy to get back to "normal".  I am going to the dentist tomorrow so that will be a good chunk of it.

Hope - I'm so proud of you for burning that script!!!

[grievingwidow]

I have only one root canal and swore I would never have another - but most of my pain was during the procedure, not so much afterwards if I remember correctly.  I went to a guy who specialized in them, he did not even give me gas, and I had to have 13 shots during the one hour I was in the chair.  I had to go for four visits, one solid hour of treatment each time, before the thing was over.  All dentists since have bragged on his work, well I believe it, he surely put the time and effort into it.  But like I said, never again, all teeth since have been pulled.  Good Luck.

Love, Cindy

[TimH2]

Everyone has a different take on a root canal. I don't want to sway you one way or another. I agree with trying ice and OC's to get you through it. It is going to feel so much better than it does now. You have really had your share of pain the last few days. I am sorry to see you hurting. I am proud that you dusted yourself off and started again. The w/d's won't be anywhere near what you went through before. It is the craving that will get you if you are not vigilant. Try to stay on the wagon and don't worry about the root canal until it is done and over.

Love to ya,
Tim

[road2recovery]

first of all, i just read your post below, i am so sorry , but remember you are only human and after reading everyones post, i hope you realize that you just have to start a new day..
you are very loved here, and personally have gave me so much inspiration and you still do..
about the root canal--i have had 4 of them, and was never offered any pain meds..And never had pain after..just soreness..the pain i had before the root canals was so bad, so i think once i had them it i was more relief, because they actually take all the roots or nerves out so you feel no pain.
The procedure itself was uncomfortable, but nothing more than having a cavity fixed...Well tha was my experience with it..i hope this helps some.
hold you head up girl and you will beat this
Love
R2R

[hopeless]

I have also been holding an ice pack on my mouth...Helps ALOT! You will be fine, i promise. If i can have a root canal done, and not take any narcotics afterwards, trust me anyone can...I am the biggest baby in the world when it comes to pain. LOL

Hope

[hopeless]

Jen, I just had a root canal done on Wednesday...I also got a script for vikes from her, she only gave me 12 of them, i was going to get them filled and stopped myself. Actually, i came home a burnt thr script. I am having some pain right now as we speak. I have been taking Advil, it doesn't completley take ALL the pain away, but is easing it up a little. Enough to get through shoud i say. If that don't work for you, try some Motrin, it should help!!

Luv,
Hope