Dental Question??!

Dental Question??

I have a cavity on one of my upper back teeth. I can't feel it, but I can see it. I made an appointment with my dentist, but it's not for another week. I am terrified of the dentist and of needles, and my biggest fear is that I am not only going to need a filling, but I'll end up needing a root canal. As soon as I found the cavity I immediately began rinsing with hot salt water numerous times a day. With the fact that I have no pain, no sensitivity to hot liquids or foods, and can chew on that side is a root canal even a possibility? If so, will it hurt really bad?

It's possible to have a cavity and not feel any discomfort. And to be honest, rinsing with hot salt water won't do anything at all. Once you've got a cavity, you can't "undo" it.

I do think you're worrying about nothing. Filling a cavity on a back tooth is one of the easiest dental procedures, and the likelyhood that you'll need a root canal is very, very slim. You WILL, however, increase the chance that you'll need a root canal later on if you ignore the cavity now and it becomes worse.

As far as pain-- you might feel a bit uncomfortable, but I promise it's really not that bad. And getting a shot of novocaine is pretty quick and simple, too-- you'll just feel a slight pinch when the dentist is giving you the injection, it'll last MAYBE 5 seconds, and then you're numb.

Really-- it'll be fine : ) Don't worry too much about it!