I was invaded by this molar annoying pain for at least 2 weeks. Yes, I had a toothache! It's excruciating. It's unbearable. It affects your life.
I hate going to dentist. Since young, I never had good experience with dentist or rather I have never come across a dentist whom I am comfortable with. Also, big major concern, the gum was inflicted with serious gum pain which is far too unbearable! I usually freaked out during every dental visits which I dragged myself to go or even not go! I rather gargle away Listerine than going dentist. I will try all kinds of remedies to reduce the pain, obviously it doesn't work at all. As the threshold of the pain has simultaneously reached the extreme max, I had no choice but to make a dental appointment.
Alright, let me run through my experience and slowly you will get the whole story.
A month or two ago, I had a bad-ass toothache, in real pain obviously, I needed a dentist. So I set an appointment and thought I would require extraction. I was extremely worried. I mean I hate that kind of experience really. I dragged myself to the neighbourhood dental clinic, clenching my teeth in fear. Hoping I can get through smoothly with just simple filling. Finally, it's my turn, I felt cold and frozen. And I make it clear to the dentist that I am terrified of dentist! He sat me down and check through my teeth. He said he can help clean up and see how it goes. So he started the cleaning, I felt the discomfort and the gum felt so sensitive. The procedure took about an hour of drilling, digging and scaling. It was tormenting for me. I hate that feeling. Finally, he finished off with the filling. And finger crossed, hoping everything will be alright so I can move on with my life. However, the dentist did warn me, this method might not work as I might have to go through Root Canal procedure. I have no idea what is it, I went "what do you mean by Root Canal?" Its the first time I heard of that, sounds really terrifying! So the next question I asked, how much is this procedure? I got a serious shock! It's $800, not including consultation and crowning. I exclaimed "crowning??". Yes, you need to crown the molar tooth after Root Canal, or else your tooth will break apart. Oh my gosh, its a shocking news to me! I'm seriously worried! So much to do on my little molar? And cost so much to just fix a molar? Anyhow, after the filling, I pray and hope for the best, hoping for no complication.
It's been over a month, the pain is back. It's really annoying. I had endured too long and pain has been really excruciating as I simply can't sleep, I will wake up feeling awake and feeling paranoid about the pain even thou I took panadol. It did help to stop the pain but I literally live on panadol over a week. I even ended up going to my GP and ask for sleeping pills and pain killer so I can sleep through the night. I was prescribed with antibiotic as well.
Before seeing the GP, I actually made an appointment with the dentist in a nearby mall, however, what is killing me is the dentist is on leave for a week! arrghhh, I almost went banging my head! And they said Root Canal treatment requires specialist to do it. A lot of questions went through my mind. What? What? What? What is going on? Why so complicated? Gosh... for a molar tooth.. arrgghhhh I'm trying to convince myself to extract that tooth. However, I was advised not to. Apparently, removing your molar will affect the development of other teeth. Meaning, the gaps between your teeth will be widened. I felt like shouting out loud.
Root Canal procedures can be subsidised but not claimable/deductible from Medisave.
I went through some hassles before deciding to go privatised. Meaning, I had no choice but to pay at premium rates. If you are referred by polyclinic, your cost will be partially subsidised. Its true, even for Root Canal, you will be subsidised up to 50% of the actual cost. Its a huge relief to your pocket. However, if you are willing to bear the pain for at least half a year, you probably can wait. As making appointment with polyclinic is like digging your own grave slowly. Meaning, if you have high pain threshold, go ahead and wait. As for me, I am in great pain, I can't go through the pain anymore. Its just too much of panadol that is in my body. It might be detrimental. And it affects my daily life as my mood is affected as I am in too much pain to even play with my kids. However, if you are alright to just extract the tooth, go ahead, its the cheapest and fastest way to end the whole pain series.
What is Root Canal? Root Canal Procedure
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.
A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.
Why Root canal? Myth about Root Canal
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| XRay Room, look scary? |
Experience with Root Canal
FYI, you might need more than one session, so I went through Root Canal procedure, it feels painless apart from the jab for numbing your gum. It's a lot of drilling and scrapping to endure. I hate that feeling! And I have a follow up treatment. And finally, I am required to go for crowning. So much to do for a molar! I would say the dentist is the best one around! She is really gentle and very careful! She explained to you and make you feel at ease. She is none other than Dr Chen Nan from National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. Do call the helpline to arrange appointment. The helpdesk lady, Catherine, highly recommended her! Catherine is the nicest helpdesk ever! I was so impressed which usually I am very skeptical with government customer service. Hahah... Oh well, she is the best!
Advice:
Good dental care will set you free from pain! Visit your dental clinic once a year to clean up your gums. It maintains and achieves a more healthy set of teeth. It is better than paying a premium rates to maintain a tooth.
Price:Total can hit below $3,000 including capping. No subsidy!
For more info,
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (Non-subsidised or Subsidised)
- Dental fees
Till the next updates!
AhTasMummy
