I totally get the anxiety you're feeling—honestly, just reading "root canal retreatment" made my teeth hurt a little, haha. But seriously, you're not alone in this. I had my first root canal last year and was a nervous wreck going in. The dentist probably thought I was gonna bolt outta the chair at any second.
The TV idea is pretty smart, actually. My dentist has one mounted on the ceiling (genius move), and they usually put on some random cooking show or nature documentary. It's weirdly calming to watch someone bake cupcakes while your tooth is being drilled... who knew?
About podcasts and audiobooks—I second that suggestion big time. Music never really worked for me because I'd still be hyper-aware of every little sound from the procedure. But getting lost in a good audiobook or podcast episode really helps drown out all those unsettling dental noises. True crime podcasts are my go-to; nothing distracts you from dental anxiety quite like wondering who committed a murder mystery, haha.
Also, if you're worried about whether they filed too much or anything feels off afterward, don't hesitate to ask your dentist directly. I used to feel awkward asking questions mid-procedure, but honestly, they're usually happy to explain what's going on (and it helps calm the nerves). Plus, knowing exactly what's happening can sometimes ease that nagging worry in the back of your mind.
Hang in there—you're doing better than you think. And hey, at least you'll have a good story to tell afterward... or at least some solid podcast recommendations!
Haha, true crime podcasts during dental work sounds like a bold move—I feel like I'd jump at every suspenseful moment and accidentally bite down or something. My orthodontist always has sitcom reruns playing, which oddly helps... nothing like laughing internally at Friends while your mouth is propped open with a million gadgets.
Speaking of distractions, anyone else ever had their dentist or ortho try to hold a full-on conversation while your mouth is wide open? Like, how exactly am I supposed to answer about my weekend plans when my teeth are clamped shut with brackets and wires? Always wondered if they do it on purpose just for laughs...
"Speaking of distractions, anyone else ever had their dentist or ortho try to hold a full-on conversation while your mouth is wide open?"
Haha, this is so relatable. I've always wondered if it's some kind of inside joke among dental professionals. Like, do they secretly tally up how many unintelligible responses they can get in a day?
Honestly though, I think sometimes they're just trying to make us feel more comfortable or distract us from the procedure itself. My orthodontist used to ask me detailed questions about my classes and hobbies right when he was tightening my braces. I'd just mumble something incoherent, and he'd nod along like he understood every word. It was oddly comforting, even if a bit awkward.
About the true crime podcast thing—you're braver than me. I tried listening to an audiobook once during a root canal retreatment, and every time the narrator paused dramatically, I tensed up thinking something painful was about to happen. Not exactly relaxing. Sitcom reruns sound like a much safer bet, honestly.
By the way, regarding your original question about the root canal retreatment and filing down too much—did your dentist mention anything about sensitivity afterward? Usually, if they've filed down excessively, you'd notice some discomfort or sensitivity pretty quickly. If you're not experiencing that, it's probably fine. But if you're concerned, it never hurts to double-check with them directly. Dentists are usually pretty open to discussing these things, even if they do pick the worst possible moments to chat.
Haha, I swear dentists must have some secret training in decoding muffled speech. Mine always asks me about my weekend plans or vacation ideas right when he's elbow-deep in my mouth. I just end up making weird noises and hoping he interprets them as something intelligent.
But seriously, about the filing down thing—I've had a similar experience after a crown placement. At first, it felt like they'd shaved off way too much because my bite felt totally off. I was convinced they'd messed up big time. But after a few days, it actually settled down and felt normal again. Apparently, your mouth can be super sensitive to even tiny changes at first.
Still, if you're worried they went overboard, it's worth mentioning next time you're there. Dentists usually have ways to check your bite alignment pretty accurately (you know that colored paper they make you bite on?). If something's off, they can usually adjust it pretty easily.
On another note, I'm impressed you guys can listen to podcasts or audiobooks during procedures. I tried music once and ended up associating one of my favorite songs with dental drills forever... not exactly ideal.
Speaking of distractions though, has anyone else noticed dentists seem to pick the most awkward TV shows for their waiting rooms? Last time mine had some intense medical drama playing—like that's exactly what I want to see before getting dental work done...
Ugh, I feel you on the awkward waiting room TV choices. Mine always has some cooking competition on, and I'm sitting there starving because I skipped breakfast out of anxiety... not helpful.
Anyway, about the filing down thing—I had a root canal retreatment recently too, and honestly, my bite felt weirdly off for almost a week. I was convinced they'd shaved off half my tooth or something. It eventually settled, but if you're still worried after a few days, maybe get a quick second opinion? Can't hurt to ease your mind.
