Pain, no pain, pain again
Aug. 6th, 2008 03:32 pm I'm trying to remember what it was like after my last root canal. It was many years ago, and I can't. I remember being glad when it was all over, but not much more.
The raging toothache had subsided somewhat by the time I got to the endodontist at 10. By 10:15 my gums were shot full of five vials of novacaine - making quite sure I wouldn't feel a thing. With the throbbing, aching pain gone, I felt much better - in fact, I suggested to the dentist that perhaps the surgery wasn't necessary, and all I needed was a lifetime supply of the drug.
He appeared to do excellent work - quickly and efficiently, while explaining the whole process as he went (something I like - it's a good move to involve the patient in their treatment, and a running commentary helps). Everything went well, he filled the canals, and placed a cotton wad and temporary filling in the hole he'd had to drill in the existing crown. He mentioned there would be some pain when the novacaine wore off.
He wasn't joking.
I actually think the pain level right now is higher than it was before the procedure. I was concerned, but after a call to the dentist's office, he assured me that this was normal - the equivalent of a severe bruise - what with all the drilling and yanking around, and the residual part of the nerve below the tooth itself. However (he said) it would all clear up after a few days.
I truly hope he's right. I had hoped to be pain free by tonight but that clearly isn't going to be the case. So I'm resigned to continue the pill popping for a while -![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
billeyler has suggested I break out the Vicodin tonight (left over from my broken ribs last year) - and they are standing at the ready on the counter top, just in case the 800mg Ibuprofen proves insufficient.
I hope what I'm feeling IS in fact the post op pain he suggested - I'd hate to think there might be some other reason for it, but I never have much luck with dental work. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will be better tomorrow.
The raging toothache had subsided somewhat by the time I got to the endodontist at 10. By 10:15 my gums were shot full of five vials of novacaine - making quite sure I wouldn't feel a thing. With the throbbing, aching pain gone, I felt much better - in fact, I suggested to the dentist that perhaps the surgery wasn't necessary, and all I needed was a lifetime supply of the drug.
He appeared to do excellent work - quickly and efficiently, while explaining the whole process as he went (something I like - it's a good move to involve the patient in their treatment, and a running commentary helps). Everything went well, he filled the canals, and placed a cotton wad and temporary filling in the hole he'd had to drill in the existing crown. He mentioned there would be some pain when the novacaine wore off.
He wasn't joking.
I actually think the pain level right now is higher than it was before the procedure. I was concerned, but after a call to the dentist's office, he assured me that this was normal - the equivalent of a severe bruise - what with all the drilling and yanking around, and the residual part of the nerve below the tooth itself. However (he said) it would all clear up after a few days.
I truly hope he's right. I had hoped to be pain free by tonight but that clearly isn't going to be the case. So I'm resigned to continue the pill popping for a while -
billeyler has suggested I break out the Vicodin tonight (left over from my broken ribs last year) - and they are standing at the ready on the counter top, just in case the 800mg Ibuprofen proves insufficient.I hope what I'm feeling IS in fact the post op pain he suggested - I'd hate to think there might be some other reason for it, but I never have much luck with dental work. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will be better tomorrow.
