Hi J,
I can sympathize with your dental issues as I have dealt with them immensely within the last 2-3 years. Just this past Jan 2012 I had to have a tooth pulled which was done in office (and I was awake). IT was terrible and I will never do it that way again. I woke the next morning with a backache due to holding myself so stiff to avoid the pain from it. BUT I survived. I just had another root canal yesterday and I have to go back in two weeks for two more fillings to be done (one is under a crown). Prior to rsd...I rarely even had a pinhole cavitiy and would go years without any cavities at all! I have been at the dentist almost every month since 2010. I have spent thousands of dollars and still owe more.

What I do before the dentist is try to calm myself down. Yesterday I took a half Tylenol because I knew about the root canal. Before I leave the dentist I have him shoot me up again with novocaine and it gives me leaveway to get home and get situated before the pain goes crazy. I even do this with getting a filling done. It seems to help me. Once I get home I take motrin (but it does a number on your stomach) or Tylenol depending on pain. I have not taken any pain meds in over a year so I don't want to begin them again (been there and done that). At home I get my ice pack and make sure it is surrounded with layers of cotton and place that on the affected tooth for about 15 mins then off and do it again for a couple times that night. Last night I only did it twice. You don't want your entire face to get so cold it is numb as that may make the rsd go crazy (I have full body so anything makes it wake up). I try to lie in bed or take it easy the rest of the night and next day or so (if I can). Oh if I know I have decay I try and get anti-biotics to help it heal better. Hang in there and do what works best for you. I go so much to the dentist that he doesn't even bother me anymore. I was happy to have the root canal done as it was bothering me and the dentist laughed at me. He is quick and does a great job. I have had other dentists who are not as prompt as he is. I also use ear plugs for my ears and try to get them to limit the vibration from the tools. I bring my jacket to place over my legs to keep them warm too. Anything you can think of (music, tv, etc) to help you through it will be great. LEt us know how you make out. Think positive.
kathy d