Today starts my first experience with an endodontist. If you are not familiar with what an endodontist is, it is someone who specializes in tooth pain, disease and infection. Upon having a CT scan for my sinus issues in February, it was noted that I had an infection in my back upper molar. Thankfully, I had my six month cleaning and exam shortly after my CT scan and brought my CT scan results with to this appointment. Upon further examination, my dentist decided to refer me to the endodontist to see if a root canal is the right treatment for my tooth. I have the initial consult today. I’ve been dreading this day and also just wanting it to get here for a month now.
If you have read my blog in the past, you know that I have anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist, even just for a routine cleaning and exam. You can imagine that possibly needing a root canal is amplifying my anxiety quiet significantly. I feel like I have an elephant sitting on my chest and my heart feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest. I’m a little over four hours away from said appointment and even though they are just taking pictures of my infected tooth and discussing my plan of treatment with me, I am extremely nervous. This isn’t even or the actual treatment of the tooth, which I will likely be setting that appointment up today and having to deal with the anxious anxiety waiting and worrying about the next appointment.
Having anxiety can be so debilitating. I keep taking deep breaths to slow my heart rate and I’ve tried to hear my sweet Kynnslee’s voice in my head saying, “Mama, I was brave at the dentist so you can be brave too.” I also keep trying to remind myself that the endodontist will not want me to be in any sort of pain while I’ve having a root canal and will do everything to keep me as comfortable as possible when I have the treatment. Also in the back of my mind, I keep reminding myself that hopefully fixing this tooth will help alleviate some of my sinus issues, rid me of headaches and decrease sensitivity along my gum line and help with the dull ache that seems to be present now. The worst thing I have had to deal with my teeth so far has been wisdom teeth removal (which wasn’t all that bad) and crowns put on. I made it through those so I can make it through this too.
Anxiety is taunting me though and telling me it is going to hurt like hell, that my teeth are going to fall out, and that I am going to die. Seriously, anxiety is a real bitch!
Nobody wants to have to deal with teeth issues. I’m sure I’m not the only one today that has to deal with seeing an endodontist and also happens to suffer from anxiety related to teeth. Hopefully anyone reading this in the same boat as me has a smooth sailing appointment and you are in the care of a wonderful specialist. If you are reading this and you have any anxiety related to teeth or going to a dentist, you are not alone. You may feel silly being an adult with this type of fear but from what I gather it is a common anxiety to have amongst adults. My plan is to be open with my endodontist about my fears and anxiety and hopefully they can consider that when figuring out the best ways to keep me comfortable during the actual treatment. Wish me luck and pray that I can get this problem resolved and whatever treatment I end up needing that when the time comes I am able to do it comfortably and all is smooth sailing. Fingers and toes are crossed!!!!!