Had to get my root canal redone recently, and honestly, it wasn't as bad as the first time. Took ibuprofen beforehand, listened to a podcast during, and ice pack after. Anyone got better tricks or hacks to make it suck less?
"Took ibuprofen beforehand, listened to a podcast during, and ice pack after."
You're already doing great—especially the podcast trick, distraction is key. One thing I'd add is maybe ask your dentist about using a bite block next time. It helps your jaw muscles relax so you're not sore afterward. Also, deep breathing exercises beforehand can ease anxiety...sounds cheesy, but it really does help. Glad round two wasn't as rough!
"deep breathing exercises beforehand can ease anxiety...sounds cheesy, but it really does help."
I've tried deep breathing before dental visits too, but honestly, it never did much for me. Maybe I'm just wired differently? What actually helped was asking my dentist about sedation options. Even mild sedation made a huge difference in my anxiety levels. Podcasts are great though—true crime episodes kept me distracted enough to survive the chair last time...
Maybe I'm just wired differently?
I feel you on the sedation thing, but my wallet cries just thinking about it, haha. Deep breathing never did much for me either—my brain just goes "nice try, buddy." Weirdly enough, last time I had a root canal redo (yeah, lucky me), I binged cooking competition shows on my phone. Nothing distracts you from dental drills quite like someone panicking over soggy pastry bottoms...
