Root Canal Survival 101

I survived my first root canal. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for my bank account. I kid, but man, those suckers are pricey!

Per my usual, I waited until the pain was unbearable to schedule the root canal - about a month after my dentist recommended the procedure. I guess an old filling had cracked and created a monstrous cavity that my dentist attempted to fix with another filling, but to no avail. I needed the more extreme remedy. (For what this remedy entails, visit this link.)

Prior to, I had no idea that root canals were performed by root canal specialists, called Endodontists. For extreme cases like mine, these are the guys to see. Dr. Jeffrey Krupp on Bascom Ave near the San Jose/Los Gatos border was recommended by my regular dentist and is fantastic. Not that I have anyone to compare him to, but I was put so at ease throughout the entire process thanks to Dr. Krupp and his team that I if I absolutely have to get another root canal, I'll go back to him.

It helped that Dr. Krupp appeared seasoned and to know what he was talking about. My consultation involved several x-rays of and a review of the work already done on my tooth. With the x-ray in front of me, I could follow along as he explained exactly why this was now a necessary procedure and what it would involve. (Later, as I was "numbing" I heard him tell another prospective patient in for a consult that they didn't needed a root canal at this time and why, which earned my respect. I'd heard of some dentists getting patients to agree to unnecessary work just to bill your insurance. No red flags here, though!) Dr. Krupp also assured me that he would do his best to ensure my comfort before, during, and after the procedure.

He stayed true to his word.

1. As I reclined, a pillow was placed under my knees as well as another to support my neck. Clearly I was going to be here for awhile...
2. Several iPod Shuffles were available for patients to borrow, though I came prepared and brought my own. I asked if they were available so that we (his patients) can't hear drilling. He said no, it's so we can't hear him cuz he's a talker. Ha! P.S. Tunes totally help pass the time and drown out the drilling.
   
3. I was offered a blanket if my feet were cold due to the air conditioning
   
4. I was invited to could kick off my sandals if I wanted and told, jokingly, that the foot rub and pedicure would commence shortly. "We're building a wall to hold rows of nail polish to select in the waiting room!" he joked as my mouth was swabbed with numbing gel.
   
5. A glass of cold water (okay, it was in a Dixie Cup but still much appreciated!) was offered to me after my first round of novocaine. (I had two rounds to ensure I was completely numb.) Speaking of...
   
6. Dr. Krupp administers novocaine super...super...super...slowly. Under any other circumstance I would describe it as "painfully" slow, but there really was no pain as was his intention with the slow administration. At first I was startled when the needle was stuck in the back of my mouth and just left there. I'm sure he saw the terrified look I had, eyes wide, transfixed on the needle because he quickly assured me it was for my own comfort. It reminded me of acupuncture.
   
7. I got a prescription for Vicodin for any discomfort I felt after the procedure

A few other details to note:

1. The procedure is really long. Well, mine was. Two hours for one back molar from the time numbing gel was applied to receiving my prescriptions and paying. I know because I sent Shrek a text right before I got numb and checked the time as I walked to billing.
2. My jaw was seriously sore and majorly stiff from keeping my mouth open for so long.
3. The procedure is seriously pricey: $1300 for a molar. That's if you don't have insurance. Actually, for "being such a good patient," Dr. Krupp threw in a $300 permanent filling at no cost, so my work actually totaled more like $1600. ...Not to mention the permanent crown I still need to protect my root canal, which is standard procedure for a molar. These babies run $1000-$2000 a piece! I am so thankful I have Dental Insurance! Even if it only covers 60% it's better than nothing.
   
4. This is for the ladies. It was a surprise to me when I received a prescription for antibiotics that I would have to take for the following 6 days. The reason? To quell any further infections. The real bummer? It interferes with the effectiveness of the pill as a form of birth control, so be warned.
   
5. This is for anyone. Antibiotics also interfere with the good bacteria in your stomach. I ended up desperately seeking probiotics to keep my "stomach" in check. I picked up Sustenex, a probiotic in capsule form, at the local Walgreens for $19 and it worked wonders! I was back to my regular (har har) self within 24 hours.
6. Advil is your best friend

To sum, after my wisdom teeth extraction and this root canal, I feel like specialists are the way to go. Even though they are a bit more pricey, they get in, get out and get the job done. And, in minimal time and with minimal (if any!) pain.

If you're interested, Dr.Krupp is at

3994 S Bascom Ave
Suite 5
San Jose, CA 95124-2663
(408) 371-1444

Though, you may need a referral slip from your dentist to see him.