Deep root canal.

[Grayjay]

I've just come home from A&E for the 3rd time in as many months. I had low blood pressure and extreme breathlessness amongst other things. My meds have been jiggled about and I seem to be a bit better. On Tuesday I am booked in to have a deep root canal at the dentist and am quite worried about how it will be, and if I will be able to cope in the chair for an hour and a half. Should I cancel or can anyone assure me that it will be alright. Thanks in advance.

[Lezzers]

I think you will probably need to speak to your dentist & tell him/her the reason for you being in hospital, your change of meds (are you on any blood thinners, as that is very important) and your BP issues. Your dentist will be medically trained to know if he/she continue with the procedure or not. Good luck 🤞

[RufusScamp]

I agree with Lezzers. You need to contact your dentist to explain the situation. My (inexpert) guess would be that it would be best delayed for a few days, but do contact the dentist at least the day before.

[Chappychap]

I've encountered two issues with dental work, there may be others, but these are the two that I know about.

First is blood thinners/anti coagulants/anti platelet medication, anything from aspirin to warfarin. Does your dentist want you to stop before the procedure, and if so for how long, and when can you re-commence? Different dentists seem to take different approaches, it's dependant upon the procedure and the meds. I'm on aspirin and my dentist has never recommended pausing my meds, I've heard of others making different recommendations.

Second is antibiotics. Medical policy frowns on excessive prescription of antibiotics, but different dentists take different approaches.

If you're having private dentistry then you have plenty of influence on this decision, ie you're free to take your business elsewhere! This is more significant if an extraction is involved, anyone on blood thinners is prone to a condition called "dry cap", believe me you don't want this...especially over Christmas or lock down! Consequently my dentist and I now have a clear understanding, any implants or other procedures involving extraction will be accompanied by antibiotics!

Good luck!

[Grayjay]

Thanks all. I'll ring on Monday morning and he should put my mind at ease. I really need this procedure doing as the tooth involved is so sore it's getting me down. Hope I can get through it OK. Thanks

[Silvertail]

I had the same last week and was worried about the hour and a half in the chair, plus the thought of all that drilling freaked me out. I resorted to having "happy gas" which made me less anxious. I survived - it wasn't as bad as I thought and not even a twinge of pain. 🤗 Good luck with yours. I hope it all goes well.

[Grayjay]

Thanks very much that makes it seem better.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I got root canal treatment and a crown last year and before it I said to my lovely dentist that I definitely wasn't looking forward to it, she smiled and replied with, you have had a heart transplant this will be nothing, she was right it was absolutely fine no pain during or after treatment. I am not on blood thinners so no issues there and I didn't get antibiotics, thankfully everything was fine. Good luck with the procedure it will be well worth it if you are in pain. Char

[Grayjay]

Thanksnhs. Thank you for your reassurance, very helpful.xxx