I had a root canal done 3 years ago, took 3 (or was it 4) sessions to get all the muck out of the roots, one root was hidden behind another, hence 3 session (or was it 4). Just had the tooth capped, the original drilling hurt like Hell, then the depth gauge thing to ensure all the pulp was out hurt like Hell too. So I dont like root canals at all.
Just before Xmas another tooth was hurting and yup another canal treatment was called for. So I went over the road from where I work, they promised it wouldnt hurt, ex Army dentist apparently, that put the fear of God into me. Anyway, he's done the work and I didnt feel a thing at all during the drilling, depth gauging etc, wallet feels a bit sore as it wasnt NHS.
So from being pain averse I can say it doesnt have to hurt, it would seem my original dentist didnt realise my nerves dont take up the aneasthetic at all well and that was why he hurt me before.
Actually I have just let him do the crown (he's a bit cheaper than the London dentist £400 near home as opposed to up to £800 for a crown in London)on the first rooted tooth and that didnt hurt at all despite lots of grinding and drilling, so it makes you wonder why we have nerves in the tooth at all. All my local dentist could say that was without a nerve a tooth often becomes brittle, hence needing a crown.
Tony you have my sympathy, tooth pain is dreadful.
matt