Help with root canal!

n!ghtmancometh · 01-10-2018 2:16pm #1

Hi,

I've an awful fear of the dentist and hadn't been to one for about 10 years. Plucked up the courage recently and went to local dentist and after a check up needed fillings. I cracked one of my back teeth eating a hard sweet a few weeks ago and went back to dentist, who recommended root canal to save it. I agreed and have had 2 out of 3 appointments done.

Because I am so anxious maybe, the anaesthetic doesn't seem to competely numb me. I went back earlier today for the final 20 minutes of the procedure, but as the dentist drilled my temp filling I didn't go numb and they had to stop. She is unsure of what to do as she gave 3 cartridges of painkiller but I could still feel the pain from drilling. I'm walking around now with a half drilled temp filling, which isn't ideal.

Would anyone here be able to offer an idea of what I should do? dentist recommended seeing my GP to get something to relax me before coming back next week, which I'm doing this evening.

Thanks.

wexie · 01-10-2018 2:25pm

Could you go to a different dentist?

My wife is very anxious of the dentist and has found one that do an IV drip for some procedures, so you're just out while they are doing it.

gmisk · 01-10-2018 2:26pm

I would go somewhere else... Had a root canal before it wasn't pleasant... But I didn't feel any pain bar pain killing injection and jaw a bit sore from being held open

n!ghtmancometh · 01-10-2018 2:28pm

wexie wrote: »

Could you go to a different dentist?

My wife is very anxious of the dentist and has found one that do an IV drip for some procedures, so you're just out while they are doing it.

I would be willing to try anything at this stage! Would anyone have any recommendations of a dentist that does this in Dublin? I tried google but every webiste is snazzy and says the same things about latest technology and the like.

ruthy_2504 · 01-10-2018 2:31pm

I have a very similar issue, in that the anesthetic wears off in minutes once the work starts. M

y dentist prescribed me an oral sedative, I can't remember the name but think that it's actually a sleeping tablet. I take one before going in and it keeps me calm enough that I don't metabolise the anesthetic at the same rate. It was an absolute game changer for me! The last appointment before we started this, I was wracking sobs in the chair while he looked at me.

It's so irrational it's incredible! Hope that might be of some help to you.

n!ghtmancometh · 02-10-2018 2:47pm

ruthy_2504 wrote: »

I have a very similar issue, in that the anesthetic wears off in minutes once the work starts. M

y dentist prescribed me an oral sedative, I can't remember the name but think that it's actually a sleeping tablet. I take one before going in and it keeps me calm enough that I don't metabolise the anesthetic at the same rate. It was an absolute game changer for me! The last appointment before we started this, I was wracking sobs in the chair while he looked at me.

It's so irrational it's incredible! Hope that might be of some help to you.

Went to GP last night and he prescribed me some Xanax tablets and tylex that I've to take about 30 mins before appointment. He said they should do the trick. I can't drive on them, but sure it's worth the price of a taxi to get this damn root canal finished!

Riskymove · 02-10-2018 2:50pm

there are dentists who specialize in sedation methods ...for nervous patients etc

if you google it you should find it.

Oral Surgeon · 02-10-2018 3:16pm

n!ghtmancometh wrote: »

Went to GP last night and he prescribed me some Xanax tablets and tylex that I've to take about 30 mins before appointment. He said they should do the trick. I can't drive on them, but sure it's worth the price of a taxi to get this damn root canal finished!

Technically, this is oral sedation.

You should tell your dentist that you plan to take them as they may need to monitor your blood oxygen saturation and they may need IV access and may need reversal drugs at hand!
You should also be accompanied home by a friend or family member.
You have no idea how you will react to that dose of that sedative.....

From the Dental Council website

http://www.dentalcouncil.ie/g_sedation.php

Oral Sedation:

When oral sedation is administered an appropriate drug which undergoes rapid absorption and has a relatively short duration of action should be chosen.
The relevant drug should be administered under supervision in the dental surgery and adequate time, in accordance with the manufacturer�s recommendations, allowed for maximum absorption before treatment is started.
The prescription for oral sedation should only be used with a full understanding of the pharmacology, indications, contraindications and drug interactions of the compounds used.
A pulse oximeter is essential for monitoring the patient.
It is essential that the dentist monitors the patient and a second person who is capable of assisting in this monitoring should be present. Clinical assessment of respiratory rate, depth and colour allows for airway management. Pre and post-operative records of vital signs should be maintained.
Patients who have had oral sedation administered must be escorted home and be asked to follow the same post treatment instructions as for intravenous sedation. Specifically, patients must agree in advance to avoid operating machinery, driving, or drinking alcohol.

n!ghtmancometh · 02-10-2018 3:44pm

Oral Surgeon wrote: »

Technically, this is oral sedation.

You should tell your dentist that you plan to take them as they may need to monitor your blood oxygen saturation and they may need IV access and may need reversal drugs at hand!
You should also be accompanied home by a friend or family member.
You have no idea how you will react to that dose of that sedative.....

From the Dental Council website

http://www.dentalcouncil.ie/g_sedation.php

Oral Sedation:

When oral sedation is administered an appropriate drug which undergoes rapid absorption and has a relatively short duration of action should be chosen.
The relevant drug should be administered under supervision in the dental surgery and adequate time, in accordance with the manufacturer�s recommendations, allowed for maximum absorption before treatment is started.
The prescription for oral sedation should only be used with a full understanding of the pharmacology, indications, contraindications and drug interactions of the compounds used.
A pulse oximeter is essential for monitoring the patient.
It is essential that the dentist monitors the patient and a second person who is capable of assisting in this monitoring should be present. Clinical assessment of respiratory rate, depth and colour allows for airway management. Pre and post-operative records of vital signs should be maintained.
Patients who have had oral sedation administered must be escorted home and be asked to follow the same post treatment instructions as for intravenous sedation. Specifically, patients must agree in advance to avoid operating machinery, driving, or drinking alcohol.

It was my dentists idea. I'll ring the office and tell her what the GP prescribed me and see what they think. Cheers.

n!ghtmancometh · 14-11-2018 9:43pm

Just an update!

Went to a dental practice in the IFSC on recommendation of colleagues. Had that blasted root canal and two deep fillings done under IV sedation. Took 3 hours, I thought it lasted 20 minutes!

Felt nothing and remember nothing about the entire process, not even the numbing injections bit. Dentist found a vein in my arm, placed a canula, administered some sedative, and that's all I can remember.

Would heartily recommend the IV sedation route to any dental phobes like me!

Help with root canal!

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