Root Canal Update

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and for not sharing your horror stories.

I went in yesterday for appointment number 1. It was odd - I don't usually get nervous about dental procedures. They've never been any big thing for me. However, I was freaked out about this one. I love my dentist and I trust him, but I was really nervous. He did the first round of Novocaine and then waited a bit. When he started to do the second injection I could still feel it so he waited a little bit longer. Even after him waiting I could still feel it a bit. No biggie. Then he started the process.

I was a bit concerned when he initially didn't think he'd be able to get the file into the canal. He thought he was going to have to send me to a specialist in San Francisco. As I was sitting there, I said a quick prayer and it was answered - he was able to get in. Yay! He did all he needed to do. Then it became decision time. If he kept getting drainage, I was going to have to come back for a second appointment. If he was able to get it completely dry, he would be able to finish it in one. Luckily it dried up and so he just finished it in one appointment. I don't have to go back for a second. Yippee!

He gave me some professional strength Crest White Strips so I can bleach that tooth so it looks like the others. As I was driving into work, I felt pretty good. I could definitely feel it, but nothing bad. Last night it started throbbing. The gum was irritated and bruised. I was a bit surprised that a tooth that is now officially dead could still hurt, but boy did it! Finally I did a salt water rinse. Before going to bed I took an Excedrin and went to sleep. I woke up today and it feels loads better. The gum is still irritated, but the level of pain is gone. It's not 100%, but it's getting there.

As long as no infection develops I am home free. Keep your fingers crossed!

This moment of happiness it's over is brought to you by the letter R and the number 1.