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KackyK
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| Posted: Aug 27 2008 at 9:24pm | IP Logged
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So the dentist today said that a discolored tooth I have, upfront canine on the bottom, is dead (did a cold test) and said that he'd recommend a root canal for me to head off any infection. Right now there is no infection but he said that there is a 99% chance that I'll definitely end up with one, could be tomorrow, a year or even 5 years from now. I've never had a root canal...don't totally understand them, but I think I might enough.
Anyways, these decisions are miserable for me to make...do you wait and see or just prevent. I think what is driving me to say yes to doing it preventatively is that right now I'm not pregnant, I'm not nursing. And in the future, who knows what my "state" will be if/and when something immediate needs to be done.
But then my fear is opening a can of worms...kwim??
Any advice, words of wisdom???
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KackyK
Mom to 8 - 3 dd, 5ds & 4 babes in heaven
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folklaur
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| Posted: Aug 27 2008 at 9:54pm | IP Logged
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okay, I am probably the worst person to give you advice on this. But...
for the reasons you mentioned you may want to do it now.
now, I can say that I have never had a root canal hurt - no more than getting a filling. For me, it is the shots that hurt, and I don't think they are that bad (the whole being stuck in the chair and unable to leave, the panic attack, and the *possibility* of it hurting are much worse for me.) They just take a long time.
My dh, otoh, says that the actual root canal hurts him - but he does not numb up from novacaine well at all.
But - if your tooth is dead - then a root canal wouldn't hurt at all, would it?
sorry, not much help...
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Aug 27 2008 at 10:19pm | IP Logged
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I have heard of problems from root canals.. that it opens up a pathway for bacteria to get in.. and while it may not cause a localized infection.. but it can lower the quality of general health.
I don't know how likely that is.. and I've had root canals done even after learning this.. because well.. replacing teeth isn't easily done when there is a problem.
In your position I think I would not do it without need..
BUT if you do decide on it.. I agree with Laura that it's tedious.. you need to relax your jaw as much as you can every time you can.. the more tense you are the worse it seems to end up hurting. I'd also use arnica (homeopathic) and bromelain/pinapple to help with any swelling/bruising. That helps any pain afterward be short lived
And Laura - I highly recommend using Bach's Rescue Remedy (it's a homeopathic) when you have dental work.. it's wonderful. It should help with all this
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| the whole being stuck in the chair and unable to leave, the panic attack, and the *possibility* of it hurting are much worse for me |
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I use it because I have a fear of falling and being tipped back in the chair I am "sure" that I will fall.. no matter how often I tell myself it's impossible to fall out of the chair.. I will end up gripping the arms of the chair with both hands to manage it. Using the rescue remedy I was able to relax both hands and only have one hand on the arm of the chair. Amazing.
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folklaur
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| Posted: Aug 27 2008 at 10:23pm | IP Logged
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JodieLyn wrote:
And Laura - I highly recommend using Bach's Rescue Remedy (it's a homeopathic)
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 thank you! already have it in my purse!
I even considered getting a certificate in the Flower Remedies from a Natural Med College. I think they are great!
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mom2mpr
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| Posted: Aug 28 2008 at 7:59am | IP Logged
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I have had a few root canals. Right now I am sitting on some teeth that need them. They are sensitive to hot and cold. I have a hard time eating ice cream and other frozen confections. (Maybe it is a good thing? :)
I have been sitting on this problem for many years--and things have not gotten any worse. I grind my teeth at night and it has caused these molars to have cracks. My dentist in VA said,"when you are ready to have the work done, you'll let me know."
I am a big time dental phobic and until I cannot stand it anymore, I figure I will continue to wait.
Just to let you know you you may not actually need one for a long, long time.
Anne
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Root canal now or later?
