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Dentist had to stop root canal - mouth was numbed, but drilling still hurt!

Posted , 4 users are following.

jen475
jen475

I had a root canal treatment a few weeks ago, in the upper-right of my mouth. All went fine (apart from it being the most uncomfortable experience of my life). Went back today for another one in the lower-left of my mouth - this was left second as it apparently wasn't as bad/urgent as the last.

The dentist numbed the left of my mouth, and while the numbing was working he did a bit of general cleaning. I could feel it, and right at the last part of the cleaning, in a lower-left tooth, I felt a pain, although just disregarded it.

Dentist started scraping or picking or whatever they do at the tooth due root canal. I could feel the sensation, but it didn't exactly hurt. Then they began drilling. Again, I could only feel the sensation, but after a few short moments it did begin to hurt and my hand shot up!

They gave me a second numbing jag that worked almost instantly. The dentist began poking and whatnot around the tooth with, "Can you feel this?" and "Can you feel that?" I honestly couldn't feel a thing, so I was thinking it had worked and I was going to be fine.

Drilling started again. Managed to last a few moments longer than last time, but soon enough - ouch! Hurt again. I did say that I was already in the chair, so just for them to keep going; but they were adamant I don't live through pain. So after I had to throw my hand up a third time, they stopped, packed the tooth, and that was it.

Apparently, the stage the tooth is at, this is "quite normal." It's a molar, so they suspect maybe 2/3 roots have died but one is still alive.

My fear is though, when I eventually have to go back to get it done, won't it still hurt?! The plan is to leave it for a couple of weeks, but how will we know if the tooth is completely 'dead'? What if I go back and it hurts just as bad? This dentist doesn't do sedation, so mouth numbing is as good as it gets...

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

I am also terrified of the dentist. Before the last root canal that I mentioned, I hadn't been in 5+ years because it is my biggest phobia. I hate it. Likely why this experience has me so scared again!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Anonymous111
    Anonymous111 jen475

    Posted

    So hopefully it'll work next time.

    If not two options:

    1. They refer you to MaxFax in hospital and they do it under GA.

    2. Extraction

  • teresa25669
    teresa25669 jen475

    Posted

    I can relate ! I posted a question yesterday - related to a "twitch" that I have gotten from - when I scheduled a cleaning - they said I needed "oral surgery cleaning" ! 12 SHOTS ! And, over 2 weeks later I am still in pain !!! And, that was for only 1/2 of my mouth ! The next session is scheduled for after Thanksgiving ... for sedation - that they felt it would be best to be put under rather than the # of shots they had to give; along w/ the "gas" ! But, now, I have this "twitch" ! And, it was 2 weeks before the pain of what felt like a "needle" in my nostril finally went away ! I am thinking nerve damage !  And, yes, not only the $$$$  ($7,500 they have planned for me!) ... the PAIN IS MASSIVE ! My teeth were not even hurting before I went to the dentist ! Been in constant pain ever since !  ... & I am NOT a wimp !!!! AT ALL !!!  My body can take a beating - but, not my mouth !  

  • Guest
    Guest jen475

    Posted

    That really sounds bad & I am sure it did not help with your dental phobia at all - I am sorry it went this way. I can only relate in as far as a normal filling - they put in at least 3-4 shots because the pain was so bad (a molar too ofc & a deep filling) but it didn't help at all..I could feel the drilling & the pain - so I sat there with tears streaming down my face from the pain & told them to just get it over with, hoping it will be done fast at least...but it took a while, ofc. They were so sweet & eventually it was done. I have no idea why shots don't seem to work sometimes - it is weird. I have had fillings replaced since in other teeth & never had the same problem again & I hope the filling in this particualr tooth still last a while. ^^

    I guess nobody can tell you for sure that it won't hurt the next time - so maybe look into options to have it done somewhere else where they offer sedations, just to be safe?

    I hope all goes well. smile

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