I had a root canal started today and even though the dentist numbed me with 3 or 4 different shots, I still felt HORRIBLE pain during the drilling! It literally felt like an electrical wire in my teeth! He had just begun the process, he was using some vibrating tool to open up the tooth. For the first few minutes the vibration didn't bother me. But he must have hit the nerve and I SCREAMED! I was numbed pretty well so I don't understand why I still felt pain! Any thoughts as to why this happened? Why did I still feel pain?

Any answers would be appreciated!

Which tooth was he drilling ? A back molar which has four nerves? It sounds like the nerves in your tooth weren't dead yet, but then different people have reactions to pain, some low some high but just the same, the freezing should have been enough, maybe not enough. Kind of hard to answer your question not being able to see the X rays of tooth he was working on to determine just what was going on.

Was he able to finish the root canal to prepare for a crown? Or what ? Was the pain too much for him to finish his work ?

You couldn't have been numbed all that well.

tick

Hey, it was tooth number 12... so not in the back but not exact in the front, either. It has two canals and yes, the tooth is still alive.

No he did not finish. I was screaming and moving too much. He had to stop.

What were you experiencing with the tooth prior to the root canal diagnosis because root canals aren't normally done if the tooth is healthy. Were you having trouble with pain in the tooth, abscessing, gum disease?

I am sorry for all of the questions, I don't understand why they had to do a root canal ?

Tick

It was very painful... it reacted to hot, cold and sweet food! The tooth next to it was extracted, and therefor the tooth had a little chip or opening if that's what you'd call it.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need... Any help I can get would be great.

First question... why are you having a root canal done on a LIVE tooth??

First question...why are you having a root canal done on a LIVE tooth????

It was very painful... it reacted to hot, cold and sweet food! The tooth next to it was extracted, and therefor the tooth had a little chip or opening if that's what you'd call it.

First question...why are you having a root canal done on a LIVE tooth????
Isn't that what is done? -- a living tooth is causing trouble, so the nerves are removed during a root canal, and the canals are filled with gutta percha? One the nerves are gone, the tooth should not experience any pain or other sensation.

Had your bite been checked? It's possible with a tooth missing that this tooth has shifted and your bite (occlusion) could have been off. This causes you to irritate the tooth, ligaments and nerve by biting or grinding on it.

Clenching and grinding can also cause hot and cold sensitivity. Clenching and grinding is often done while we sleep, again irritating the tooth so that it becomes sensitive through the day.

Sweet sensitivity could be a cavity or root exposure (which can also cause sensitivity to temperature).

Erosion of the teeth can also cause these symptoms.

Was everything ruled out prior to the root canal being started?

I'm guessing (like tickle) that your mouth had not been numbed properly or with enough anesthesia or the dentist hadn't waited long enough for the numbing agent to take effect. Some of my teeth have required four shots before the dentist could work on them.

Had your bite been checked?? It's possible with a tooth missing that this tooth has shifted and your bite (occlusion) could have been off. This causes you to irritate the tooth, ligaments and nerve by biting or grinding on it.

Clenching and grinding can also cause hot and cold sensitivity. Clenching and grinding is often done while we sleep, again irritating the tooth so that it becomes sensitive through the day.

Sweet sensitivity could be a cavity or root exposure (which can also cause sensitivity to temperature).

Erosion of the teeth can also cause these symptoms.

Was everything ruled out prior to the root canal being started?

I am not sure if they did those things. But, I will say that approximately 5 different dentist' saw the tooth and said I needed a root canal.

I'm guessing (like tickle) that your mouth had not been numbed properly or with enough anesthesia or the dentist hadn't waited long enough for the numbing agent to take effect. Some of my teeth have required four shots before the dentist could work on them.

He did 3 regular shots then shot me with a different type of anesthesia, can't pronounce the name of it, though.

Did he "shoot" you on both sides of the tooth?

Did he "shoot" you on both sides of the tooth?

Yep. My mouth actually was rather numb. I just don't see what the problem was.

I read somewhere online that I might have an infection and would need to be on anti-biotics for 2 weeks before having the root canal. Could that be true?

Anyone know how I can kill the nerve in the tooth? I read that because the nerve is still living that might be the reason it's so painful. How can I kill the nerve?

If the tooth has a large infection (seen by a large area of darkness around the root) it can be difficult to get a good freezing. I have known dentists to drip the anaesthetic solution right in to the canal where the live nerve is to try to freeze it that way.

If the tooth has a large infection (seen by a large area of darkness around the root) it can be difficult to get a good freezing. I have known dentists to drip the anaesthetic solution right in to the canal where the live nerve is to try to freeze it that way.

I think that's he did. But, do you think two weeks of anti-biotics (Ibuprofen and Amoxicillian) would help ease the pain/infection?

It certainly should! It won't kill the nerve though.

It certainly should! It won't kill the nerve though.

Do you know how I can kill the nerve?

And when I say ease the pain/infection... I mean make the root canal procedure less painful.

I'm sorry but I don't. I would think that whatever you try to do to kill the nerve is going to hurt more than what you felt at the dentist!

Is the pain still real bad now?

flossie, something wrong with this discussion and this thread. I am thinking trollish. You asked the same questions I did.

Tick

It was very painful...it reacted to hot, cold and sweet food! The tooth next to it was extracted, and therefor the tooth had a little chip or opening if that's what you'd call it.

That isn't a good reason to do a root canal on a good tooth. There are other ways to correct the discomfort on a long term basis without invasive surgery.

Tick

That's the point of root canal, to kill the nerve. I certainly wouldn't try anything myself. Just because your mouth is numb, that doesn't mean messing with a certain tooth will be painless. He's got to really anesthetize the tissue all round the right tooth.

That isnt a good reason to do a root canal on a good tooth. There are other ways to correct the discomfort on a long term basis without invasive surgery.

tick

But several dentist saw it and said I needed a root canal. UGH it's getting so fustrating.

Do any dentists in your area use sedation? My son swears by it.

I'm sorry but I don't. I would think that whatever you try to do to kill the nerve is going to hurt more than what you felt at the dentist!

Is the pain still real bad now?

Not at this very moment. I think the numbness is still in effect. He filled the open space with some white stuff. Perhaps that's stopping the pain. So, what are other possible options (besides root canal)?

I suggest you wait for a few days. Let the antibiotics and advil kick in. For better pain relief at the present you could alternate Advil and Tylenol every 2 hours. Take 2 Advil now and in 2 hours take 2 Tylenol and keep that pattern going until the pain is under control.

Only take these if you aren't allergic to them!

But several dentist saw it and said I needed a root canal. UGH it's getting so fustrating.Yes, this whole thread is getting out of hand, Mini because nothing can be resolved because we can't see what has been done and we don't know your oral history.

Tick

The white stuff is probably cotton. If the pain gets unbearable, like there is pressure building up in the tooth, remove the cotton.

Do any dentists in your area use sedation? My son swears by it.

That's what my dentist suggested--that I find a dentist who does sedation. But would it make me stay asleep throughout the procedure? Would I wake up during the procedure? Severe pain usually wakes a person up, you know..

The white stuff is probably cotton. If the pain gets unbearable, like there is pressure building up in the tooth, remove the cotton.

Don't think it's cotton. It doesn't feel like it. But if I remove the cotton, wouldn't that be dangerous, considering my tooth is open? The dentist had started drilling to open the tooth... that's why he filled it before I left.

I suggest you wait for a few days. Let the antibiotics and advil kick in. For better pain relief at the present you could alternate Advil and Tylenol every 2 hours. Take 2 Advil now and in 2 hours take 2 Tylenol and keep that pattern going until the pain is under control.

Only take these if you aren't allergic to them!

Thanks... Never thought of that.. Every 2 hours? Do you know if Amoxicillian really kills infections?

If pressure builds up then removing the cotton will relieve the pain caused by the pressure.

There are a couple of ways to have sedation. One is conscious sedation, you are awake and can respond through the whole procedure but you really don't care about what is happening. The other is general anesthetic where you are put to sleep. You will not wake up until the procedure is over. When you are put "under" you are as close to being in a comatose state as you can safely be. You WON'T be waking up because you WON'T feel ANYTHING!

That's what my dentist suggested--that I find a dentist who does sedation. But would it make me stay asleep throughout the procedure? Would I wake up during the procedure? Severe pain usually wakes a person up, ya know..
It's a sort of twilight sleep. I had it done with a colonoscopy last fall, and there's no pain or memory, quick recovery, yet I could follow directions if the doctor told me to move left or right. My son has never remembered any pain or uncomfortableness, had four procedures done at one time over 2.5 hours (mostly fillings). You shouldn't wake up, and you shouldn't experience any pain.

Yes, amoxicillin is the ideal antibiotic for oral infections.

If pressure builds up then removing the cotton will relieve the pain caused by the pressure.

There are a couple of ways to have sedation. One is conscious sedation, you are awake and can respond through the whole procedure but you really don't care about what is happening. The other is general anesthetic where you are put to sleep. You will not wake up until the procedure is over. When you are put "under" you are as close to being in a comatose state as you can safely be. You WON'T be waking up because you WON'T feel ANYTHING!

OHHH OK! I guess that's what the dentist tried to explain. I didn't clearly understand him. He said one sedation calling laughing gas would make me feel "high"... I guess that's the first sedation that you mentioned? The second sedation seems better. It's better to not feel anything. But suppose I do try the laughing gas sedation, would I feel the pain? I understand you said it would take my mind away and I won't care but that doesn't seem to be less painful.

It's a sort of twilight sleep. I had it done with a colonoscopy last fall, and there's no pain or memory, quick recovery, yet I could follow directions if the doctor told me to move left or right. My son has never remembered any pain or uncomfortableness, had four procedures done at one time over 2.5 hours (mostly fillings). You shouldn't wake up, and you shouldn't experience any pain.

LOL... Wow. So you were asleep but able to respond and move at the doctor's request?

Yes, amoxicillin is the ideal antibiotic for oral infections.

Even if the tooth has been painful for over a year?

Even if the tooth has been painful for over a year?
The amoxicillin will deal with any oral infection. The Advil-Tylenol taking will deal with pain.

The amoxicillin will deal with any oral infection. The Advil-Tylenol taking will deal with pain.

I know I'm asking lots of questions, please forgive me for that. But, suppose I just take the antibiotics from now on instead of seeking root canal treatment. Would that be safe? You know they say meds are not good over long periods.

Laughing gas is VERY LIGHT. You should probably be trying a sedation that you take orally. The dentist can prescribe something you take the night before and then the morning of the procedure. Can't guarantee you won't feel any pain. The only one that can guarantee that would be the general anesthetic.

Laughing gas is VERY LIGHT. You should probably be trying a sedation that you take orally. The dentist can prescribe something you take the night before and then the morning of the procedure. Can't guarantee you won't feel any pain. The only one that can guarantee that would be the general anesthetic.

Well I'll go with the general anesthetic. I just can NOT take that pain that I felt today. As if someone literally stuck an electrical wire into my nerve! Thanks for your advice, it was badly needed and greatly appreciated.

I have another question... Suppose I just get the tooth extracted... do you think I'd still feel pain during the extraction as well? I've had teeth extracted and don't recall feeling pain during the procedure. The dentist wouldn't use the vibrating tool for an extraction, and that tool is what I felt pain with. Do you think it would be safe to get the tooth extracted (without pain)?

You would still have to be numbed, the tooth might break and have to be removed in sections, and yes, there could be pain. I have done my best to keep my teeth. My husband, on the other hand, hasn't been as careful with his and so has shrinking gums and has to get his upper plate relined every so often. I say keep your teeth as long as you can.

You would still have to be numbed, the tooth might break and have to be removed in sections, and yes, there could be pain. I have done my best to keep my teeth. My husband, on the other hand, hasn't been as careful with his and so has shrinking gums and has to get his upper plate relined every so often. I say keep your teeth as long as you can.

So in your sedation case... did they actually knock you out or were you still conscious? From my understanding there are two different types of sedatives.

So in your sedation case...did they actually knock you out or were you still conscious? From my understanding there are two different types of sedatives.
I've never been sedated (the lighter version) for dental work, am a tough German type. I was sedated for a colonoscopy and was awake but in no pain. I was able to watch the colonoscopy procedure on a nearby monitor. My son has had the nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and the sedation (not at the same time) in which he had no memory of the procedures and no pain, but he could respond to directions from the dentist. I've been put out entirely (general anesthesia with no pain) for surgery, a c-section, and wisdom teeth pulling when I was 17.

I've never been sedated (the lighter version) for dental work, am a tough German type. I was sedated for a colonoscopy and was awake but in no pain. I was able to watch the colonoscopy procedure on a nearby monitor. My son has had the nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and the sedation (not at the same time) in which he had no memory of the procedures and no pain, but he could respond to directions from the dentist. I've been put out entirely (general anesthesia with no pain) for surgery, a c-section, and wisdom teeth pulling when I was 17.

Wow. This stuff seems so unreal to me... LOL.. So in my case, would you recommend the laughing gas? The pain was so sharp when the dentist used the vibrating tool, it real gave me a fierce, sharp pain. Do you think laughing gas would help me or do you recommend the general anesthesia?

Wow. This stuff seems so unreal to me...LOL..So in my case, would you recommend the laughing gas? The pain was so sharp when the dentist used the vibrating tool, it real gave me a fierce, sharp pain. Do you think laughing gas would help me or do you recommend the general anesthesia?
No matter which kind of sedation you get, you will also have your gum numbed. This will help once you become conscious again until you can take whatever pain med has been prescribed.

Your dentist is your best advisor. And I'm not sure what this vibrating tool is. I don't remember anything like that unless you are talking about a slow-speed drill that has a low-pitch "brrrrrrr" sound. (The high-speed drill goes "eeeeee".) If you get general, you will feel like you have been unconscious for about two minutes (if that). It will be a similar feeling for the lighter sedation. I don't know about nitrous.

Do you usually have a high or low pain threshold?

No matter which kind of sedation you get, you will also have your gum numbed. This will help once you become conscious again until you can take whatever pain med has been prescribed.

Your dentist is your best advisor. And I'm not sure what this vibrating tool is. I don't remember anything like that unless you are talking about a slow-speed drill that has a low-pitch "brrrrrrr" sound. (The high-speed drill goes "eeeeee".) If you get general, you will feel like you have been unconscious for about two minutes (if that). It will be a similar feeling for the lighter sedation. I don't know about nitrous.

Do you usually have a high or low pain threshold?


The vibrating tool was used to open my tooth, to make way for the dentist to clean out the decay. What do you mean by "high or low pain threshold"? Not sure if this is what you're asking but if you're asking if I can take pain... unfortunately, not at all.

The vibrating tool was used to open my tooth, to make way for the dentist to clean out the decay. What do you mean by "high or low pain threshold"? Not sure if this is what you're asking but if you're asking if I can take pain...unfortunately, not at all.
It sounds like you have a low pain threshold, very little tolerance for pain.

The vibrating thing must have been the brrrrrrrr drill, the lower speed one.

Do you think they could do a root canal with a different tool or is the vibrating tool necessary? I really need to get this thing completed. I can't keep my tooth open the way it is. Also, if it's the low speed device, would that mean the high speed one is less painful?

I just spoke with the dentist again and he said that I need to see a specialist because my root canal is too bad for him to treat. Wow. Is that normal? And how do I know if I have an infection or not? He didn't seem sure as to whether I have an infection.

You would seriously know if you have an infection, and if it was really bad you could smell it as well. I think you stated that this dentist had put you on amoxicillin and something else (not my choice, pennicilin is better and more thorough) amoxicillin is a general antiobotic and some people are immune to it. I don't know if anyone asked if you have had pain biting on this tooth, brushing, etc?

By the way, they don't use low speed drills. All are high speed except the attachments are different and make them seem that way.

You shouldn't have the packing in that tooth too long, so opt for the specialist as soon as possible and get it over and done with.

I think I mentioned an 'impacted tooth' which is aserious infected area.

I worked for a periodtonist for a couple years as am RNA, so I know what a root canal is, how it is done, all the ins and outs, etc.

Flossie is our resident tooth expert, so you will get good feedback from her.

Tick

Thanks Tickle... Do you have any idea as to why I still felt pain even though they numbed me? They used the vibrating tool in a circular motion around the tooth, but in this one particular spot, it hurt like HELL! Mannnnn this is so fustrating!

By the way, Tickle, I have some Penicillin. Should I stop the Amoxicillian and start the Penicillin?

Hi Mini, no I don't have any idea why you felt pain; is why I said yesterday, we don't know your oral history. I know its frustrating. Just get to a specialist and get it over and done with, like I said, then come back and post what that specialist said. We also don't know your existing medical history which, for reasons very good reasons, should remain unknown to us at the present time. Have you told us how old you are? Don't remember and that makes a difference as well.

We are all volunteers here with really busy careers in other places. We can only assume if someone asks us and hope to hit the spot, not allowed to diagnose. We do try to help as much as possible, walk a poster through a problem so that he/she knows where to go next for the proper treatment/information.

Tick

By the way, they dont use low speed drills. All are high speed except the attachments are different and make them seem that way.
I just called my dentist who has been in practice for over 30 years. His son, who just graduated from dental school two years ago, has come into practice with him. Both use low speed drills (and call them that) during the filling of a tooth. My dentist says the different speed drills are necessary as the tooth is prepped for a filling.

By the way, Tickle, I have some Penicillin. Should I stop the Amoxicillian and start the Penicillin?

Okay, where did you get the pennicilin? No, I can't tell you to do that. Ask your doctor. Time will tell if the amox is not working, if it isn't, then you go to a different antibiotic with your doctor's recommendation.

Tick

I just called my dentist who has been in practice for over 30 years. His son, who just graduated from dental school two years ago, has come into practice with him. Both use low speed drills (and call them that) during the filling of a tooth. My dentist says the different speed drills are necessary as the tooth is prepped for a filling.

Well, wondergirl, I am really glad you found that out. So where does that get us with this poster's problem right now? So what do they consider low speed, what rpm, wondergirl ? There is a great difference in 'revs per minute'.

Do you think I am talking through my hat or what ?

Tick

okay, where did you get the pennicilin?? No, I can't tell you to do that. Ask your doctor. Time will tell if the amox is not working, if it isnt, then you go to a different antibiotic with your doctor's recommendation.

tick

I was prescribed Penicillin VK 500 MG, earlier this year and I honestly can't recall why it was prescribed to me. I've in and out of the hospital this year.

Well, wondergirl, I am really glad you found that out. So where does that get us with this poster's problem right now? So what do they consider low speed, what rpm, wondergirl ? There is a great difference in 'revs per minute'.
That I don't know, didn't ask for that specific information. They had finished for the day and were walking out the door, are off tomorrow, so will check back with them on Thursday and let you know.

Do you think I am talking through my hat or what ?
Do you think I am talking through mine? My previous dentist of 20 years always called it a low speed drill, as does my current one. I was only reporting my experience.

I was prescribed Penicillin VK 500 MG, earlier this year and I honestly can't recall why it was prescribed to me. I've in and out of the hospital this year.

Mini, ever hear of the old expression, 'open mouth insert foot'. Pennicilin can last up to three years in tablet form, depending on what conditions it is kept in, warm, hot, cold, whatever. No I don't want you to take them, I want you to ask your doctor if you can, only if you don't get good results to your low grade infection.

I have said... go to the specialist... get your tooth taken care of and come back and tell us what happened.

tick

That I don't know, didn't ask for that specific information. They had finished for the day and were walking out the door, are off tomorrow, so will check back with them on Thursday and let you know.

Do you think I am talking through mine? My previous dentist of 20 years always called it a low speed drill, as does my current one. I was only reporting my experience.

And I think I have posted that I have experience working as an RNA with a root canal specialist. I am reporting from a professional, blood and spit and cleaning up a mess experience. I also hated the sound of the scalpel going through gum. (just thought I would add that for :D the adventure factor, W).

Tick

And I think I have posted that I have experience working as an RNA with a root canal specialist.
That's why I called my dentist, rather than depend on my faulty memory.

(just thought I would add that for :D the adventure factor, W).

In the next life, I plan to be a medical examiner or forensic pathologist, so will remember that during autopsies.

in the next life, i plan to be a medical examiner or forensic pathologist, so will remember that during autopsies.

Lol

That's why I called my dentist, rather than depend on my faulty memory.

In the next life, I plan to be a medical examiner or forensic pathologist, so will remember that during autopsies.

Funny you should say that, W, I want to be a forensic pathologist too ! Not an ME, not enough 'hands on'. I love the nitty gritty, getting into things, digging for the last morsel... down to the bottom. I think you know what I mean.:D

funny you should say that, W, I want to be a forensic pathologist too ! not an ME, not enough 'hands on'. I love the nitty gritty, getting into things, digging for the last morsel....down to the bottom. I think you know what I mean.:D
Be sure to read Stiff : The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach. Sneezy recommended it to me, and I just happened to be reading it then!

That's why I've loved being a librarian all these years -- another "nitty gritty, getting into things, digging for the last morsel....down to the bottom" job. It fits my Scorpio-ness.

Be sure to read [I]Stiff : It fits my Scorpio-ness.

Shake hands with another scorpio, W :eek: Oct. 25th.

OK... When cutting through the enamel of a tooth a high speed drill is used and they can run
12,000rpm - 450,000rpm and are air driven. Slow speed drills are friction grip and are used to remove soft carious lesions and define the cavity margins and walls. There are special endodontic handpieces that are used to remove the dead nerve and file the walls of the canals in preparation to fill them. These handpieces are generally of the slower speed type.

Mini - have you ever been told that when you are prescribed an antibiotic, ANY antibiotic you are to take them until they are all gone? You are not supposed to stop taking them once you are feeling better you are still to finish the whole prescription or the infection it was prescribed to treat may not resolve completely.
Most dentists prescribe amoxicillin for the following reason: Amoxicillin is an extended spectrum member of the penicillin class. It can kill a wider range of bacterium than Penn VK( doses are the same), along with better absorption and it has a longer effect

I hope this helps.

It helps a lot. Thanks Flossie, and yes--I will finish the Amoxicillan.

I have a question for Flossie or anyone who can answer... Do you know of any pain killers for tooth ache besides Tylenol and Ibuprofen? My dentist recommended those but I can't take Ibuprofen and Tylenol is not working!

I had my root canal started today and I was sedated with the laughing gas. During the procedure I felt no pain but the minute they removed the oxygen mask, the tooth they were working on started aching. More than an hour later, I am still aching!

Did you try Extra Strength Tylenol? I'm not sure if Aleve would help, it's not available here in Canada yet so I'm not that up on it. The best thing would to go to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist.

Glad to hear the nitrous helped!

Did you try Extra Strength Tylenol? I'm not sure if Aleve would help, it's not available here in Canada yet so I'm not that up on it. The best thing would to go to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist.

Glad to hear the nitrous helped!

Hi! No, it was not the Extra Strength... Perhaps that's why it didn't help. Alieve... isn't that in the family of Advil/Ibuprofen/Aspirin? I have stomach ulcers and cannot take anything with Aspirin. Have you ever heard of Tramadol?

Flossie: You are the greatest. I popped an extra strength Tylenol a few minutes after you posted it and I feel no more pain. THANKS!

:) Glad it helped!