I don’t like to complain.
In fact, for the past few weeks I’ve been trying to convince myself that this particular issue is no big deal. But you know what?
I CAN’T TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here’s the deal. A few weeks ago I mentioned in passing how I was getting a tooth shaved down and replaced with a crown. Why? I had a huge crack in one of my molars, despite taking quite impeccable care of my teeth.
Other than the burden of shlepping to the dentist office, getting the crown didn’t bother me. Heck, I was all for something that would take away the piercing pain that came every time I bit on something with the slightest of crunch. Unfortunately, though, that pain hasn’t stopped. It has actually gotten worse.
Much worse 
It seems as though the crack goes all the way down through the root of my tooth, which means that I’ll most likely have to get a root canal. As much as I despise the following acronym, I think it’s safe to say…
FML.
As someone who has suffered through TWO of these babies (and I assure you I have great dental health) the worst part of the whole bit is the pain beforehand. The procedure is not bad at all. Last time I went through this, I was in the ER twice, unable to work for a week, hopped up on antibiotics and pain medication that screwed up my tolerance to rX meds permanently and my face was swelled like a balloon. It can get much worse and it will all be over very soon and you’ll be back to your perfect teeth self, crunching away.
But, yes, you’re right. Annoying.
Ahh, okay…thank you!! that really does make me feel a lot better about the whole ordeal. I guess I got it stuck in my head that root canals were insanely painful!
Little Bookworm says
Sorry about the root canal/tooth problem. Hope it gets better soon!
You POOR THING! A root canal would probably be one my worst nightmares..
Ugh I’ve had them before and they suck. I just lay there and think about the beach.
Ugh that stinks!! I’ve heard they are really rough but have never had one myself. I’m sorry to hear!
I have never had one, but I her they are not as bad as they sound. Heck anything will be better then what you described.
p.s your new header is super cute
We’re so on the same page today. I just posted about my horrible post-dentist experience. I had fillings redone and now I have terrible pain. It’s worse when I bite down. I’m scared to find out what the doctor says. So I totally know the pain you’re dealing with.
And I’m so sorry you need a root canal. But if it can make the pain go away… that’s a good thing.
Not a fan of that saying, but you have good reason so it’s acceptable!! I CAN NOT WAIT to see you on Saturday!!! yayayayyyyyy!!
Love you!
Nicole*
Eww root canal. I have never had one but I have heard they stink
Lauren says
Ive had a root canal and the build up is so much worse then the actual procedure. Its just uncomfortable but I dont remember any pain. I made such a big deal before hand and after realized it was unneccessary. The name is scarier then it actually is. But going to the dentist is never fun
Ugh - sorry Gracie! I’ve had one (just this past Spring) and while it’s totally not fun (obviously), it’s not THAT bad. The part I hate is sitting in the dentist chair but I listened to my iPod the whole time and tried to daydream. xo
My mom just had a root canal so I feel your pain!
Oh no, I’m so sorry! That doesnt sound like much fun at all :/
With the right Endodontist this procedure will be a breeze. Last year I had 2 silver filling replaced with white ones, which resulted in a cracked tooth. It was a crap shoot as to which one was actually cracked so I ended up having to have a root canal on both. My endodontist was amazing and I got so much relief once the procedures were completed. I just think root canals have a bad rep because of all of the discomfort you experience on your way to needing one. You will be good as new!
Ah hang in there!
I am so sorry girl! But you will feel so much better after!
Oh no! This sounds terrible…get it done soon so you can enjoy holiday treats =)
Lauren says
Root canals are no fun but you will feel SO much better! I have an appointment Friday to have my wisdom teeth cut out and I’m scared
Hopefully your appointment goes smoothly!
Ugh, I feel so bad for you right now.
And I’m apparently out of the loop and have no idea what that acronym stands for!
FML = “eff” my life. The term is originally from the movie SuperBad, but somehow (on Facebook, I think?) it turned into fml. I generally hate when people say it because it’s usually attached to something that isn’t really bad at all…i.e. “I don’t feel like going to work today, FML.”
Make sense?
GOTCHA! Now that you say it, I do think I’ve heard it before.
My root canal wasn’t that bad. In fact the pain from my cracked tooth was SO MUCH WORSE that the root canal actually felt like a relief! You’ll be a-ok
hang in there girl! i know you have a postitive attitude and everything will turn out A-OK!
Toni says
Hey there! I know exactly how you feel. This has happened to me twice! The pain you feel before the treatment is WAY worse than during or after! You hardly feel a thing!
ughh root canals are awful! but they’re a lot better than the pain I was in before I had to have the root canal so just think, it’ll feel better soon? Ok that really doesn’t help. Have some ice cream, that will help
Oh what a bummer!
But I’m sure you’ll feel so much better once it’s done!
I’ve had so many root canals and stuff done to my teeth, it was starting to become routine. It’s really not that bad as long as you have a good dentist
Hey girl! It really isn’t as bad as you might think. I promise. I am a dental hygienist, and I have SEVERAL patients who have to have these. The thought of a root canal is much worse than the actual procedure. I promise you will feel better once it is done. Make sure that you ask your dentist what the chances of the crack being so deep that the root canal may not fix the problem. Not to scare you, but if the crack goes too deep or is all the way down the tooth, a root canal will not fix your problem. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions about anything!!
I love your blog, by the way.
Take care!
Thanks for the advice, Brittany! I’ll be sure to bring that up to my dentist. I’m honestly not 100% sure I need a root canal (now that’s actually what I’m hoping for :?). I go to a really great dentist in center city Philly, though, so I’m hoping he knows what he’s doing!!
i’m sorry sweetheart, big hugs
I’m so sorry about your tooth!! That really really stinks! You will definitely be in my prayers!
Ughhh sorry to hear about the tooth drama! I had major dentist anxiety all day before I went today. I was convinced I needed a root canal too (and my dental insurance doesn’t start until December). I legit wrote on my homework board “Pray for Miss Bing’s Dentist Appt” haha Hope everything works out for you…I can add your dental woes to the homework for tomorrow
Andrea says
Hey Gracie, I love your blog and have been quietly reading for the past few months. I actually just had my first root canal about 2 weeks ago, and like you I totally feared the worst. While I’m not gonna lie and say it was the most pleasant experience, by the next day all the pain was gone and I was able to eat on the tooth again like nothing had ever happened so it was totally worth it. Plus they give you lots of Novocaine and Vicodin for the pain, so you’ll be fine! 😉
Thanks for this comment, Andrea! It helps to hear from someone who has “been there done that”
I’m so excited to be able to eat on the left side of my mouth again!! haha
Alina says
Shoo, sorry Gracie! hope you’re feeling better soon! but just think how after the procedure you’ll be better and back to enjoying cookies! LOVE!
Ugh. I’ve never had a root canal, but they sound terrible! Have you ever had one before?
Ugh! That blows! I just got my first filling and I know how sad I was about that. I also take pride in my teeth, but atleast it is fixable right? 😉
Corinne says
I just got a root canal two weeks ago (Im 20) and honestly they get a bad rap because of the pain before the procedure. You will be numb for the whole thing and it takes about 20 minutes total. No biggie!
I’ve had two root canals - they’re not as absolutely horrible as everyone says, but they’re definitely not fun. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine!
Marika says
I’m in the same boat as you right now! I went to the dentist last week to get a broken molar fixed, but the root was exposed so now I’m scheduled for my first root canal on Monday. I’m just taking the same view you did on your appointment- yes, it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable, but if it fixes the problem and I can chew normally on that side again, I’m all for it. We can do this!
The EXACT SAME THING happened to me LAST WEEK!
Instead of being told “you need a root canal” they were like “go to emerg now!”
The crack is serious and the root canal is STILL not done…it’s taking 3 more procedures…because of the crack, if you dont get it done they may have to remove the entire tooth.
My prayers are with you
You can do it! Let me know if you have an questions 