Have been in a fairly solid remission for a year and have been avoiding the dentist although I have a number of problems...for fear that the tn will start up again. I realize i need to get some issues resolved before they get even worse.
I have been given the option of getting a root canal/cap or just getting a back molar pulled.
Do you all have an opinion as to what would be less likely to cause a flare up- extraction or root canal?
Does it make a difference if you get sedated or if they use novacaine?
Do you ever take extra meds before the dentist?? Should I start back up on the tegretol to keep the nerves calm?
Are there any special TN dentists??
I was terrified just getting the x rays today...do not want to do anything to end this remission...but I have to get some stuff fixed!!
I am terrified of going to the dentist! It has become a phobia for me.
I had an unnecessary root canal last year. I wouldn't have one again. I would have the tooth pulled. There is a fair amount of controversy over root canals-that it is impossible to completely fill all of the root and an infection is left in the tooth which can cause a lot of problems over time. And while dental work did not cause my TN I think it may have exasperated it or caused some neurological damage because the day after my root canal my pain skyrocketed and spread to different locations. Could just be coincidence I guess.
I know there are medications you can take before going. Ask Cleo.
I think there are some dentists/specialists that do know more about TN or neuropathy. I don't think it would be very easy to find one though. I think if I had to have any serious work done I would want to be put right out.
You're likely to get mixed opinions on this. Personally, I never want to have another root canal in my life, let alone a root-end surgery for a failed root canal. I would rather get the tooth pulled.
I had a root canal years ago. It was Hell and I'd never do it again. I don't think it related to my TN although it might have triggered an attack of pain. I don't remember. Skip ahead 10 years. I had gone 4 years pain free until I had a rather invasive filling and some other dental work 5 years ago. That got the pain firing up again and I've had episodes ever since. I've also had to get a lot of dental work done over those five years ( 4 crowns this year alone).
I've always had trouble getting numb enough. There isn't enough Novacaine in the world so last year I started getting nitrous oxide in addition and it was a Godsend. Not only does it help with the dental pain, it helps me relax. I would be so tense with fear over potential TN pain. I think that gas has helped me avoid a flare-up of TN pain. I had a tooth pulled a long time ago rather than go through another root canal. I'm glad I did too. It was a quick procedure with little recovery.
The nitrous is a good idea but i don't have insurance--bet it costs a lot! ;-(
Karen Brown said:
I had a root canal years ago. It was Hell and I'd never do it again. I don't think it related to my TN although it might have triggered an attack of pain. I don't remember. Skip ahead 10 years. I had gone 4 years pain free until I had a rather invasive filling and some other dental work 5 years ago. That got the pain firing up again and I've had episodes ever since. I've also had to get a lot of dental work done over those five years ( 4 crowns this year alone).
I've always had trouble getting numb enough. There isn't enough Novacaine in the world so last year I started getting nitrous oxide in addition and it was a Godsend. Not only does it help with the dental pain, it helps me relax. I would be so tense with fear over potential TN pain. I think that gas has helped me avoid a flare-up of TN pain. I had a tooth pulled a long time ago rather than go through another root canal. I'm glad I did too. It was a quick procedure with little recovery.
Tacocat,
I’m sure different dentists charge different amounts for nitrous oxide but I only pay $30 a visit which is well worth it to me. Insurance wouldn’t cover it anyway.