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Oral Health Made Simple: Your Prescription For Knowledge
 PREVENT PROBLEMS
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 CONDITIONS
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Step 1 Prevent ProblemsSimplestepsPrevent Problems
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Q: I am scheduled to have a root canal in two weeks. I know that many people are afraid of getting a root canal, but my biggest fear is not of the pain that will be involved but of getting the shots ? I am terrified. Will my dentist use a numbing gel on my gums before he gives me the shot? My dentist has prescribed me some pills that he says will help me relax.
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Lynn Tepper, Ed.D..

Lynn Tepper, Ed.D., Ph.D., is a clinical professor and director of the Behavioral Science Division at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. She also holds a joint appointment in the Division of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University's School of Public Health. Dr. Tepper has been principal investigator in many research grants from both governmental and private foundations, and has published 3 textbooks and more than 30 chapters and articles in professional journals.

May 19, 2008
A:

It sounds like your dentist knows what she or he is doing. Pre-medicating you is an excellent idea, and will relax you and help manage your anxiety. This also may reduce discomfort from the injections. You can ask your dentist to use a numbing gel before he injects you, and this will help. Taking deep breaths during the injection will also help.

As for the root canal itself: There should be NO pain during the procedure! If you feel pain, let your dentist know. The local anesthetic should block the pain.

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