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.
Is it okay to wait four weeks for an appointment with tooth decay?
I have only just realised that I am more dental phobic than I realised. I have a molar with an old amalgam filling which has recently started twinging at times when pressed or if I am chewing something hard.
I have also noticed a small spot of what looks like decay on the edge of the tooth between it and the tooth in front. Of course I am now panicking that I will need a root canal which utterly terrifies me. I tried to get an appt with my dentist for this week, but they have only emergency ones available, they cannot fit me in before my 6 month check which is in 4 weeks time.
Will it be ok to leave it this long? I am really worried there is something dreadful wrong and I’m not eating much as a result as I am too scared. I know I will be a panicky mess until I find out what the problem is.
The word root canal brings dread into people’s minds .
If you are just having the odd twinge then it will be ok to wait .full blown toothache can’t .
You may not need a root canal , so do not panic until you know for sure .
Modern root canal treatments are much better than they used to be .
The key to managing the treatment is being absolutely numb , also perhaps asking your dentist for some form of oral sedation if you are very anxious about it .
Don’t listen to other people’s horror stories .
Hope this helps
Jenny
