I've had a few done. Not a big deal at all. In fact, even if you didn't need a root canal, you're hypothetically better off in the long run having it done since you don't really need the nerves in your adult teeth. You basically guarantee you'll always keep your real teeth and keep them pain-free for the rest of your life. Not a bad deal.
The worst part is the novocaine injection, and nowadays they even rub some kind of mint-flavored numbing gel on your gums right before the give you the shot, so the pinch you feel is minimized. Otherwise, it's no different than getting stitches somewhere on your body when there's a novocaine injection. You shouldn't feel any pain. Hell, you could saw your entire arm off and not feel anything if you were shot up with enough novocaine beforehand.
The worst part is the novocaine injection, and nowadays they even rub some kind of mint-flavored numbing gel on your gums right before the give you the shot, so the pinch you feel is minimized. Otherwise, it's no different than getting stitches somewhere on your body when there's a novocaine injection. You shouldn't feel any pain. Hell, you could saw your entire arm off and not feel anything if you were shot up with enough novocaine beforehand.
Not in the dental field, but you might. My understanding based on discussions with dentists....If the cavity allowed the nerve to be "exposed" the root could have died which could make it stop hurting. Also, if the cavity gets too deep, the dentist will not be able to remove the decay without exposing the root. It is a judgement call, and different dentists have different beliefs, if the decay/drilling to remove it gets "close" to the root whether you should get an RC, a pulp cap, or whatever.
