Root Canal

This last week I had what no dental patient wants- a root canal. While I am glad that dentists can do them, instead of pulling the tooth out, I don't recommend this to anyone. It is as bad as it sounds.

I learned a few things about teeth that I didn't know before:

• They don't like to stay numb for very long. Therefore, every time you think you can relax during the long long procedure, you get stung. Then you get another shot.
• Even though the tooth has no nerves left on the inside, the outside nerves can feel the pain of what is going on inside. Then you get another shot.
• At every dentist appointment I have been to, I've been told I have great teeth. I like to think I take good care of them. I've only had a few cavities, and those were from loose sealants, and I couldn't have prevented them. But I still got a root canal. (I cracked the tooth).
• Painkillers don't last as long with tooth pain. Your tooth is killing again, and you realize you still have three hours before you can take the next dose.
• The dentist tells you that you won't feel pain after a few days. Try a week. And then you get the root canal finished, and you're hurting all over again.
• Despite what Bailey (and Mike) say, getting a gold crown does not make you feel like a princess.

I am happy to report that I am feeling much better after the second round, where they finished it off. Finally, finally, my tooth is not hurting. It was a frustrating experience for me. I got a root canal on a tooth that had been filled a few months ago. Before the filling, the tooth did not hurt at all, I was not aware of the cavity. After the filling, the tooth bothered me, and got worse and worse until I went back. Then I got the root canal which was the worst pain of all. All for a tooth that didn't even bother me.

Well, I can say I did the whole root canal thing. I can't imagine why anyone would want to be an endodontist. It has to be for the money. Let's hope this is the last time I have to pay one.