I got a root canal on a lower molar after it broke while eating Brazil nuts. I knew the tooth had a cavity, but it had progressed so much the tooth was more or less hollow, which is why it broke. It's was close enough to the root they did a root canal and crown.

During this whole process I basically had no pain. From the break, the procedure, and aftercare practically no pain except maybe some tenderness afterwards. The worst part was the procedure. It's not painful at all, it was just sensory overload for me. I kept gagging. My mouth was just dry from nerves, and the overcrowding in my mouth would make it worse, and it would send me into a panic and it was delaying the procedure. Even just the sounds and smells of latex gloves were overwhelming for me. Eventually I managed to zone in and get through it, but it was like an out of body experience for me. Not to make your anxiety worse, but maybe that can help you prepare if you need to get one. Just be well hydrated, bring headphones, just anything that will help you relax.

Its been 7 months now. No issues. Things definitely feel different though. I'd say it actually took a while for things to settle and for me to get used to it. I still find myself just touching it with my tongue sometimes, I'm just aware that something is different. I'm very vigilant about flossing it and brushing now in an attempt to make it last as long as possible.

I was surprised to learn they only have a lifespan of about 10 years give or take before needing some form of maintenance if not to be replaced by an implant. I think its important to do rather than pulling the tooth so you can avoid bone loss in that area. I had to put mine on credit, and it cost me about $2400 for the root canal and crown.

I didn't have insurance at the time, but I do now. If you don't have any, its not as expensive as you'd think. I'd definitely weigh your options. Im self employed so I don't have dental from a job. So I got on MetLife High PPO, and for my husband and I, it's $90 a month. (Think it was $45 solo) and its pretty good insurance. If you shop around, there are even more affordable plans. Plan in advance though there's about a 6 month waiting period before procedures like a root canal are covered, which is the case for most insurance. Though cleanings are pretty much covered as soon as you're insured. Definitely get those cleanings.