I would never suggest that dental pain is a neurotic disorder

 Eric Berne might have gotten by with sexual fantasies

    I've never seen anyone laugh with NO actually.  It's great for some
patients.

Steve

I can tell you that I have no anxiety about pain when I take NO. You
could pull every tooth out of my mouth and I would not bat an eyelid.

Indeed the anticipation of pain heightens the perception. But
perception of pain is nevertheless very real and not just a neurotic
disorder. Eric Berne might have gotten by with sexual fantasies
blocking dental pain, but that sort of thing does not work for me at
all.

The good news for the dentist is that when I take NO, I do not
interfere with the treatment at all. I don't even laugh.

--

"There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress."
--Mark Twain

    There is no question that anxiety affects pain perception.  But apart
from that, anxiety is worth taking seriously--not only because it is
unpleasant in itself, but because it interferes directly with treatment.

Steve

If he doesn't, find one who does.

I have been told that if it weren't for anoxia, NO would be a perfect
anesthetic.

You seem to be implying that pain killers are a matter of anxiety
relief. Believe me, when the endodontist hits the root, there is very
real pain - excruciating pain. It takes more than Valium to kill such
pain.

--

"There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress."
--Mark Twain

    That could be appropriate too.  We don't know if the endodontist has
nitrous.  Anything that could relieve short-term anxiety might be useful.

Steve

Why not use nitrous oxide?

--

"There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress."
--Mark Twain

    Not knowing you except for what you are posting here, it appears that
anxiety is a large part of the problem (understandably so), perhaps more
than the actual pain relief, which as I said will almost certainly be
much easier than last time.  Under the circumstances, I would be
inclined to agree with your endodontist.

Steve

If it does its job, next time should be much easier.

IF?
Oh I do not know if I can ake te chance. The endodentist wants me to
take a Valium before I go next time. WHat is your opinion?

    It is sometimes impossible to numb a "hot" tooth.  Injecting into a
pulp in this condition is not fun.  I presume the endodontist placed a
fixative agent in the pulp chamber, which should kill remaining vital
nerve tissue.  If it does its job, next time should be much easier.

Steve

My endodentist attempted a root canal on a lower back molar today. I
have undergone 2 root canals with the same doctor before and had zero
discomfort.
Today she gave me 2 injections which numbed my mouth very well. Once
she was inside the tooth I experienced pain. She then injected inside
the tooth (excruciating 2 seconds of pain). She drilled some more and
all was ok, then she inserted the first file, and I FLEW up in the air.
The pain was beyond belief. I had tears streaming down my face and
could not believe this could happen to me. She then packed the tooth
and filled it, and said when I go back next week the nerve should be
virtually dead and she will continue.
I do not think I have the inner strength to attempt it again.
What is happening and how can I continue?