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I posted about this a few months back and everyone calmed me down. I had to have TWO root canals and they weren't so bad. Don't worry. For me it was the same or easier than a filling... The anesthesia is always the worst part but in this case we made damn sure it was all deadened

The more relaxed you can get, the better it will be. I have had two root canals, one of which was an emergency! Both weren't bad at all. Try to find some ways to calm yourself in the dental chair .... concentrate on your breathing, listen to music if you can, think positive thoughts, maybe meditate? Also, if your dentist saying things like "you have really long roots" freaks you out more - communicate to them! Me personally, I need little to no information! I ask my dentist to only tell me things I absolutely need to know! I just want them to work and get it over with, not stop to explain details. I also tell them I'd rather not see any of the tools, shots, etc. I close my eyes and go to my happy place! you will be okay!

I had one when I was 7 weeks pregnant. I HATE THE DENTIST. It ended up being the best thing ever. Totally okay and I felt so much better. I'm getting better about the dentist and everything.

@MrsADS: I freaked out when I had to have one unexpectedly. I paid extra to have the gas in addition to the novacaine, and it was worth every penny. I listened to my ipod and the whole thing was pretty easy. Way less awful than I imagined. I will say my jaw was really sore after - but that's because it was a way back tooth.

@MrsADS: I just recently needed 6 (!) shots of anesthesia on one side for a deep cleaning where they go under the gum line. And I have to go back for the other side which means another 6 shots.

My dentist said deep cleanings are more painful than root canals (I've never had one, so I don't know), but it really wasn't as bad as I was afraid it would be. Not that it was pleasant, but it hurt less than other things I've done willingly.

They will put a numbing gel on before the shot and it really, really helped. After that, the shots just felt like a tiny pinch.

It's okay! I had one while I was pregnant and needed multiple Novocain shots to be properly numbed but I was never in pain. I was a little sore from keeping my mouth open and sore afterwards from the procedure, but ibuprofen was enough to feel better. Bring an iPod with music or book on tape or podcasts. I listened to a bunch of This American Life episodes.

I've had two root canals, plus a re-root canal done by drilling through the tooth followed by an apicoectomy. I used to have MAJOR dental anxiety. Here's my tips: (1) have the root canal done by an endodontist, not your general dentist. And, equally as important, (2) Have your dentist prescribe a valium or valium-equivalent to take before your appointment. It will be easy breezy after that. Seriously.

ETA: I can't believe no other previous posters mentioned an anti-anxiety! I wouldn't have even been able to walk into the office without one.

@MrsMcD: I managed to be pregnant for both of mine, so I wasn't made aware of the anti-anxiety option! But yeah I can see that coming in handy.

@MrsADS: I've never had one done by a regular dentist, but the endodontist I saw was pretty awesome. I wish I could see him as my regular dentist!

@wonderstruck: oh dear! Root canal while pregnant. You are a tough cookie!

I have terrible teeth so I feel your pain. I've had multiple root canals by multiple dentists (endodontists) and it really depends on the dentist to have a good experience. The worst part for me is usually getting numbed b/c they have to poke my gums a few times. And, for me, I need more than the usual amount to get me fully numbed and sometimes I get more during the procedure. Also, just a heads up that sometimes they do need to go back in a second time if you're still feeling some pain. Once I had to go back 5 times. It was terrible and I ended up losing the tooth and got an implant instead. What a terrible experience that was. Never went back to see that endodontist again. I believe I also had a one done on another tooth while I was pregnant with my second. I remember sitting in my walk-in closet crying in pain b/c I didn't want my oldest son to see me cry like that. My husband couldn't even help me and all I could take was tylenol until the next day.

Someone mentioned about putting on some music. That definitely helps and wear some sun glasses so you don't have to see the bright light the entire time or try to avoid eye contact with your dentist or assistant. Sometimes I just close my eyes and sleep. The dentists here where I'm at in Asia puts a cloth over my entire face, kind of like surgery where there's just the opening for your mouth so no need for sunglasses for me here! Haha! I actually prefer sun glasses b/c I felt a little claustrophobic when he first put the cloth over my face.

Hope you are pain free soon!