Worried about 6 root canals

- Six at once sounds wild. I can barely handle one.
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The numb-face thing is so real... mine lasted almost half a day once.

That’s what I’m worried about. Did you have trouble eating or talking after?
- When I had two done, my jaw ached for days. I can’t imagine six. Did you get headaches too, or just the numbness?
- I’m curious if anyone’s tried splitting them up over a few weeks. Does it actually help with recovery, or does it just drag out the stress?
- Not sure I agree that “getting through any number is a win” - I feel like I’d be more anxious knowing I had more left to do.
- How long did you all wait before going back to work or school? I’m not sure if I should take a whole week off or just a day or two.
- Also, did anyone have issues with swelling? My friend said her face puffed up after three, but I didn’t with my two.
- Just trying to figure out what’s normal here. Is it weird to be more freaked out about the after-effects than the actual procedure?

I totally get being more freaked out about the aftermath than the actual root canal. The numb-face thing threw me off way more than I expected - mine lasted about 6 hours, and eating was just awkward. I had to stick to smoothies and soup the first day, but talking wasn’t a huge issue (unless you count sounding like I just left the dentist, which, well...).

About splitting them up: I did two at a time over three weeks. Honestly, it helped me recover better - less swelling and jaw pain - but yeah, it did drag out the anxiety a bit. I’d still pick that over doing six at once though. My friend did four in one go and said she felt wiped for days.

For work, I took two days off after each session and was fine. Swelling was mild for me, but I iced my face religiously. If you’re worried, maybe ask your dentist if you can break it up? Everyone’s different, but there’s no shame in wanting an easier recovery.

I’m with you on the numb-face weirdness - mine felt like I’d just had a run-in with a tranquilizer dart. I kept poking my cheek to see if it was still attached. The smoothie diet gets old fast, but hey, at least you don’t have to worry about biting your tongue off by accident.

Breaking up the procedures definitely sounds more humane than going through six at once. I did three in one go a couple years back, and my jaw hated me for a solid week. The swelling wasn’t too bad, but I had that chipmunk look for a bit, and chewing anything tougher than oatmeal was a no-go. Ice packs were my best friend.

Did your dentist mention anything about anti-inflammatories or steroid packs for the swelling? Mine prescribed a short course, and it honestly made a difference. Curious if anyone else had that option or if it’s just hit or miss depending on the provider.

My dentist actually did give me a steroid pack for the swelling when I had two root canals done last year, and it made a pretty big difference for me. The swelling was way less than I expected, and I felt less “puffy” overall. But my friend went to a different office and didn’t get offered anything except ibuprofen, so I guess it really depends on who you see and maybe how much swelling they expect.

I totally relate to the chipmunk face - mine lasted about three days, and I lived on mashed potatoes and yogurt. It’s wild how much those numbing shots mess with your face, right? I kept checking in the mirror to make sure my smile still worked.

Breaking things up is so much kinder to your jaw. Six at once sounds brutal. If anyone’s worried about swelling, it’s definitely worth asking about steroids or at least prescription-strength anti-inflammatories. Not every dentist brings it up unless you ask.

Breaking things up is so much kinder to your jaw. Six at once sounds brutal.

Totally agree with this. I had three root canals in one sitting and honestly, my jaw was sore for days. Can’t even imagine six. If you can space them out, your recovery might be a lot smoother. Also, I didn’t get offered steroids either - just Advil. Next time I’d definitely ask, since it sounds like it helped you a ton. You’re right, mashed potatoes and yogurt basically saved me too. It’s a weird few days, but you get through it.