I've had several, as I have inherited lousy teeth. For me, they've been no worse than a filling, they just take a little longer. Good luck! Bring headphones to drone out the drill, it helps!

Ugh my teeth hurt just thinking bout it. Not that I've ever had one.

I realize this probably doesn't make you feel any better, but hey...at least I'm validating your feelings...? :)

I had one a few years ago. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It's not a pleasurable experience, but it's not torture either. You'll be fine. Hugs!

Nitrous -- laughing gas...LOTS of it-- you'll be relaxed and rested and I actually like going now :)
It is usually free.
Well worth it if you have to pay.

I just had one last month. It's really not that bad. Like gutted said it really is no worse then a filling. You might be a little sore when the feeling comes back but it won't slow you down any. Good luck!

I've had 3 so far and another scheduled in January - I'm not even dreading it! They aren't near as bad as they used to be and I've had absolutely no pain with any of mine. You'll do great tomorrow and then wonder why you were worrying so much!

Are you going to an endodontist?

The only painful part is paying for it! Mine was around $2500 each with the root canal, post and crown.

I will second Lisa on the real OUCH is the pocketbook. I've had one with each pregnancy and really the Novocain shot is the worst part. Once that gets done and the numbness sets in you are basically home free. A little ibuprofen the next couple days for the soreness.

Thanks to everyone and I agree my pocketbook is going to hurt. They charging around 750 for the root canal and haven't even talked about the post and crown.

Besides I was thinkng as I was reading everyone's response, how much more painful can this be compared to what we've already been through with out CS. lol just a little nervous sick humor. I'd take a root canal over having a CS any day.

Btw, they don't have gas so I'm going to make sure I bring the headphones. Thanks for the reminder, I'm getting them now.

BIG TIP- You will probably not be able to eat, which could cause severe dehydration... so stock up on shakes like Slim Fast, Ensure, etc. They REALLY help until you can eat.

And DO NOT drink through a straw!!! It can cause dry socket, which is second in pain only to childbirth!!!! ;)

No Nirtrous? Bring a flask and hit it hard while you wait for you appointment. :-)

My hygienist told me that most people have balanced mouths - so if you have a root canal on one side you'll most likely end up having one on the same tooth on the opposite side. I'm hoping that after my next one I'll be done with these!

My biggest thought while going through all of this is THANK GOD ABOVE for modern dentistry and the means to pay for it. I cringe when i think of what it must have been like 100 years ago - or even 20 years ago. We are really fortunate to be living in this time in this country.

Thank you for all of your support. I made it through so far with flying colors. It's a bit sore but it wasn't bad. I did wear the headphones which helped alot. It seems that in this molar there are 3 nerves and they were able to get to 2. The 3rd they were having a hard time getting to without messing up my crown which they are tryng to save. So my next visit is in a couple of weeks because next week we are on vacation.

I had one when I was pregnant with #3 (about 7 1/2 years ago) and the worst part was the constant vibrating in my head from the drill and looking in the mirror when I went to the bathroom only to see a little stub of a tooth there. That kinda depressed me, lol. Other than that, I don't remember any significant pain and I could eat fine. You should have a temporary crown at first, though, and you have to be careful with those. Probably want to chew on the other side until you get the permanent one. Good luck! I don't envy you. Alas, I have to go in for a crown and filling in a couple of weeks myself. Yay.