Root Canal Question.?

Question

I'm having a root canal for my front to teeth in the next two weeks. I'm not worried about the pain. I already know what I need to know and I'm not scared. What I'm afraid of, is the annoyance of sitting in a chair, for about and hour or so getting my two root canals done. They have a T.V in the room but honestly, with a drill running about half the time, I doubt I'd be able to concentrate on anything going on, on television. Long story short; are you 'allowed' to fall asleep during a root canal operation? I'm the type that falls asleep during any and every situation. Problem is, is if I'm allowed to.

Answer 1

IF YOU CAN SLEEP, THEN DO SO, YOUR DENTIST WILL APPRECIATE THIS

Answer 2

Yes of course, it is very common for patients to fall asleep during long procedures. Bring your ipod too.

Answer 3

you might not be able to fall asleep. they are jerking your face around some, and moving your jaw. i would suggest an IPOD.

Answer 4

Just about every Endodontist currently uses the rotary system which cuts the chair time down to almost nothing.  Odds are you'll stay awake for the procedure.  But, if you do fall asleep, no big deal.  Many of the patient's in my office fall asleep and we just work around it.

Answer 5

Good news:

you'll only hear the drill for a few minutes at the beginning of the procedure, and maybe again for a few minutes near the end. most of the procedure is done with very very quiet electrical driven handpieces...

ask for a "bite block" - it's a plastic wedge that sits between your teeth on the opposite side from where the dentist is working - allows you to rest your jaw on it without closing all the way down - keeps you open just the right amount to get the job done without you being too involved (that is, wondering if you are open)

if you really want to sleep - call the dentist and ask if you can be sedated in office. most dentists will happily provide you with oral valium - you drink it or swallow a pill, then doze happily though the procedure. you won't be able to drive home though, so bring a driver.

i work for a dentist that does nothing but root canals. we love it when you sleep. we can work faster, you are more relaxed, we are more relaxed - it's a win/win.

Answer 6

I fell asleep during mine.  The dentist took it as a compliment :)  As long as they can keep your mouth open and you're not bobbing your head or snoring too loud.  The local anaesthesia was effective, so no pain,  and the dentist chair was soooooooo comfortable, and no phone calls or duties to take care of, it was alright.

Answer 7

There's no problem with you falling asleep. There are some people who won't have their teeth worked on at all without being put to sleep first.

If you're worried about it ask your dentist if you fall asleep if there'd be a problem with that and if so to wake you up before anything could happen.

Answer 8

I don't see why not.  They will let you know what is acceptable. Most of the time they will tell you to kick back and relax. or tell you to rest. If they don't think don't think twice about asking.