Expert answers
We know how daunting dental treatment can be. Our Dental Phobia certified experts are here to help ease your mind before treatment by answering your questions.
I need root canal treatment but I am scared
I think I need root canal treatment and I am really scared. I am worried I won’t be able to swallow or keep by mouth open for ages. Do I have to keep my mouth open for minutes at a time or can dentist stop and let me swallow?
Hello
Best practice for root canal treatments is to have something called rubber dam applied .
This is a clip which goes over the tooth to be treated with a very thin sheet of latex on a frame ,
The advantage to this for the patient is that any treatment on the tooth is in front of this barrier , so nothing goes into the mouth , its easier for the dentist to work , and you can swallow without any problem .
Ask the dentist for an agreed stop signal if you feel this might still be a problem .
Many patients find this a good thing , and I fell asleep when I was having a molar done in the bottom jaw , and I don’t like having treatment myself !!!
