And good excuse or bad excuse I’m gonna use it.
Root Canal – Creative Commons
Yesterday after four days of tooth pain before I could get in to see my dentist I had a root canal performed on an upper molar.
It has truly kicked my butt.
In my 7+ decades I’ve had at least a half dozen root canals and none of them were any fun but both the process and the recovery from this one have been in a league of their own with swelling and pretty incredible tooth, jaw and facial pain. My dentist warned me of that possibility, saying that this particular tooth is the most challenging and difficult one out of all of them for root canals, in part because it has four complicated roots that need to be ‘roto-rooted’. It took nearly 2 1/2 hours in the dentist’s chair to get it done.
Normally I prepare the images for my posts and compose at least part of the first draft of my text the evening before I publish. But last night I simply could not concentrate through the pain so I abandoned any hopes of a ‘normal’ post and decided to explain why in today’s edition of Feathered Photography.
I’m not looking for sympathy! Root canals are an almost routine fact of life but I thought an explanation was required rather than not posting at all. After a rough night I’m finally beginning to feel better this morning.so I’m optimistic that the worst is behind me.
Back to regular programming tomorrow.
Ron
I’ve had so many root canals I’ve lost count. But I haven’t lost track of cost, mine were $1,100 now up to two grand.
Glad you felt up to an outing.Those four-prongers are rough!
Dave, this one was $950 but I’ve been with my dentist for so long he gives me a discount. He should, I think many months I make his house payment. I’m not complaining, he’s a good guy and a great dentist. He even follows my blog so he must at least appreciate birds, another factor in his favor. 🙂
OK, Your excused !!!
Gary, I’ve used those words countless times in my teaching career. 🙂
The words ROOT CANAL have always make me cringe 😳
Hoping the worst is behind you❗️
Hope you feel better soon.
So sorry tooth pain is never fun. The diagram made my teeth hurt! I hope the swelling and pain are soon in the past.
Thanks for all the kind words of support everyone. I actually went shooting this morning so that’s proof I’m on the upswing.
That is most excellent news, Ron! Glad you’re feeling better!
OWOWOWOW. I can’t imagine keeping my jaw open for that long. I have TMJ, so sometimes even a cleaning nails me. I’m glad you have a good dentist — they’re worth their weight in gold fillings. 😉
I’m impressed that you posted at all — and with a picture too.
I hope you feel better soon, Ron!!
I understand. No one wants to sit and process photos or create text in the midst of dental pain. Take as much time as you need for any reason. I find that the expectation of an upcoming root canal is usually worse than the actual procedure and the relief from the previous pain that follows makes it all worthwhile. Rest well and we look forward to more excellent photos whenever you feel ready. Take care.
Owwwww—suffice to say, I feel your pain, wish you less and less of it as the hours go by, and look forward to a bird post tomorrow, but only if you’re really up to it! Everyone deserves to take a day or two off, especially after dental work. Take care, Ron.
You know, Ron, even if you were looking for sympathy, you always pay with great and interesting information. Get well soon!
2 1/2 hours of of keeping one’s jaws stretched open. I think I’d rather be waterboarded.
Hopefully you’ll be back in your eighth decade by tomorrow, as well🥴
I am a huge dentist-phobe. They have to nitrous me just for a cleaning. Glad you got yours dealt with.
It interests me how many of the Feathered Photography fans are in the age
group ( I’m one of them, too ) to have LOTS of fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Dentistry now is like the Enlightenment vs the Dark Ages ! I’M SENDING
YOU SYMPATHY, even if you didn’t ask for it, and a wish for a fast recovery.
Dental issues, especially root canals, deserve an automatic bye! Hope today is MUCH better for you! <3
A good but painful excuse Ron. Been there done that. Now looking back at 82 I remember having these all the way back to my early 30’s. The equipment, knowledge, and skills edondontists have today make the procedure so much easier than in the days of my youth.
You have all my sympathy.
Sadly dental anaesthesia doesn’t work for me, so I am shuddering in complete sympathy. And yes, my last root canal took that long too.
Here’s to better, painfree days.
Holy moly, EC. Then what’s your alternative – general anasthesia?
Toughing it out has been the option so far. With fingers clenched into the side of the dentist’s chair.
I am thrilled that you were up to going shooting today.
UGH! Been there, done that tho not with a 4-root tooth. Hopefully it works out fine. Those nerves do NOT like being disturbed! Rest up! 🙂
“Those nerves do NOT like being disturbed”
Now that is a gigantic understatement, Judy! 🙂
Feel better. Dental work is never fun!
Thanks, Cyndi.
OMG, Ron!! I’m another one who has felt your pain!! Of course it doesn’t help that I was NOT one of the Crest kids. Todays kids in most instances wont have the problems we are having. Lucy devils. At least I haven’t needed dentures – and hope I never will – just a mouth full of root canals, crowns & a few filling left – LOL!! Forgive me for chuckling!!
You’re right, Jo Ann – younger folks today are mostly lucky in that regard.
Ron, I’m very glad you have confidence in your dentist! And thank you for the illustration. I have never known what a root canal was. Your diagram is most helpful to me. I’m glad your pain is abating now! Wishing you a complete recovery as soon as possible.
I’m glad you found the illustration helpful, Alison. That tooth has only two roots that need cleaning out. My molar had four.
I understand your pain, discomfort and frustration!
At 84 I have had my share of root canals. Born with ‘soft’ teeth I had many bouts with the dentist, with all the problems that go with it. Fortunately I had a fine dentist. No sympathy extended, just understanding! Stay safe.
Dick, it helps a lot to have confidence in your dentist, which I do.