Dentist recommended I try this numbing gel stuff before my root canal, and honestly it helped a bit but still felt pretty anxious. Wondering if anyone else found something better or if it's just me being a wimp, haha...
Honestly, you're definitely not a wimp—I get super anxious too, numbing gel or not. Tried listening to podcasts during procedures, helped distract me a bit. Maybe give that a shot next time?
I've tried podcasts too, but sometimes I find myself zoning out and focusing even more on what's going on in my mouth... Has anyone had luck with noise-canceling headphones instead? Does blocking out the drill sound help more than distraction?
I totally understand the struggle—podcasts haven't worked well for me either, since my mind tends to drift straight back to what's happening. Noise-canceling headphones helped a bit more, at least by dulling that drill sound... worth giving them a try if you're sensitive like me.
It's completely normal to feel anxious about a root canal—you're definitely not alone in that. The numbing gel can help, but anxiety often goes beyond just physical discomfort. Noise-canceling headphones, as mentioned earlier, can indeed be helpful for many patients. I've noticed that patients who bring their own calming music or guided meditation tracks tend to feel more relaxed during procedures. Breathing exercises can also make a noticeable difference; slow, deep breaths help signal your body to relax and can ease some of that tension.
Also, don't hesitate to communicate openly with your dentist about your anxiety. Most dental professionals are very understanding and can adjust their approach or take short breaks if needed. Remember, the anticipation is usually worse than the actual procedure itself. You've got this, and it'll be over before you know it.
