Worried about 6 root canals

Totally get why you’re freaking out - when I found out I needed three root canals, I legit thought I was gonna pass out. The anxiety before the first one was worse than the actual procedure, honestly. My jaw was sore after, but the pain relief was instant. Numbing shots work wonders, and headphones helped distract me during the long sessions. It’s a lot, but you’ll get through it.

I’m right there with you on the anxiety. When my orthodontist first mentioned I might need root canals, my mind just spiraled. I kept thinking about the needles and drills and honestly, I couldn’t sleep for a few nights. I’ve only had one so far (still got more to go), but I was surprised how fast it actually went. The worst part for me was the anticipation - my heart was pounding in the waiting room and I kept replaying worst-case scenarios in my head.

I did notice my jaw got super stiff after holding it open for so long, and I was really sensitive to cold drinks for a bit. Did anyone else have trouble eating after? I stuck to soup for a few days just because chewing felt weird. Also, how did you all manage with work or school right after? I had to take the afternoon off because my face felt numb and droopy, but maybe that’s just me being overly cautious...

I had to take the afternoon off because my face felt numb and droopy, but maybe that’s just me being overly cautious...

Honestly, I powered through work right after mine, but it was probably not my smartest move. The numb face made Zoom calls kinda hilarious though - felt like I was glitching. For eating, I just went straight to protein shakes and yogurt. I didn’t have too much cold sensitivity, but chewing definitely felt off for a bit. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but I think you were smart to take the afternoon off.

The numb face thing is so weird, right? I kept poking my cheek just to check if it was still attached. I get being nervous about so many root canals - I had two done in the same week and honestly, the anticipation was worse than the actual procedure. The hardest part for me was eating; I stuck to soft foods for a few days since chewing felt awkward. Pain-wise, it wasn’t terrible - just more sore than sharp pain. Hope it goes smoothly for you.