Quote Originally Posted by KindMidasSoundman
I just found out yesterday that I have to have this procedure done to me. I have never had a root canal and I have heard some horror stories about it. Has anybody here ever had one? I would like to get some feedback from the forum-goers as to how uncomfortable it is. One person says that there is an injection of Novocaine to the roof of the mouth involved. Is this true? How uncomfortable is it after the numbing agent wears off? Is it anything like a wisdom teeth extraction? I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted in one sitting back when I was like 22-23 yo and it was a shitty experience. Is a root canal any better?
You'll probably get several shots of Novocain in different areas.

I've had a number of root canals and it's OK with Tylenol after the 'caine wears off. This is because the nerve is removed. It's more complex than an extraction, but less healing is involved.

I had an infection for years in one of the gums that I had a root-canal in, and had to go to an Endodontist last year to open it up and clean it out. It was totally painless, and has not flared up again. He was not very complimentary of most oral surgeons' abilities to do root canals correctly, and said that there were only two good places in Brooklyn to have it done. If I ever need more root canal work, I'm going back to him.

Good luck.