My dentist used that paper too when my son had his filling redone. Honestly, I wasn't totally convinced it was accurate either. He kept complaining it felt "off," even though the dentist said the marks looked perfect. We ended up going back twice before they finally adjusted it based on how he described the feeling. Makes me wonder—maybe it's more of a rough guide than something totally reliable? Glad your daughter got hers sorted quickly though... dental stuff always stresses me out a bit.
Honestly, I think the paper's usually pretty spot-on. Had mine adjusted last year and the marks matched exactly how it felt. Maybe your dentist just had an off day or something? Or maybe my teeth are just cheap dates and easy to please, lol... Either way, glad your kid finally got sorted—dental visits are pricey enough without repeat trips.
I've never had to deal with the marking paper myself yet (my first root canal retreatment is scheduled for next week, and I'm honestly a bit nervous...), but it's reassuring to hear your experience matched up. My dentist explained the whole process in detail, maybe a little too much detail, so now I'm hyper-aware of every tiny sensation in my mouth. Glad your kid's issue got resolved in the end, though—makes me feel slightly less anxious about my upcoming appointment. Fingers crossed my teeth are cheap dates too, haha...
It's totally normal to feel nervous—dentists can sometimes overshare details, can't they? Have you asked about sedation options or even just nitrous oxide to help ease your anxiety a bit? From what I've seen, retreatments usually go smoother than the initial root canal, since they're mostly cleaning up what's already been done. It's great your dentist is thorough, but remember, being hyper-aware can amplify every little sensation. Maybe bring earbuds and listen to something calming during the procedure...might help distract you a bit. Good luck!
Retreatments usually aren't as intense as the first root canal, like mentioned above. Basically, your dentist is reopening the tooth, removing the previous filling material, and carefully cleaning out any leftover infection or missed canals. It's pretty routine stuff, and dentists do it all the time.
As for filing too much—dentists typically use small files to gently clean and shape the canals, and they're trained to avoid removing more tooth structure than necessary. Sometimes it might feel or sound like they're doing a lot, but that's mostly because you're hyper-aware of every little detail in the chair (totally understandable, btw). If your dentist mentioned something specific about filing too much, it might've just been them thinking out loud or explaining the procedure a bit too thoroughly—some dentists do that without realizing it can stress patients out.
If you're still worried, just casually mention your concern before the procedure starts. Most dentists appreciate knowing when you're anxious and can adjust their approach or reassure you as they go.
