There are 2 ways to get a root canal done - quickly or in stages.

Essentially it's drilling out the decayed tooth, then drilling out the nerve. This is then packed to allow it all to "settle" and then the final filling is done.

Essentially you're left with a "dead" tooth.

Is it painful? Well, I had one done that was fine after the needle was given, and one where they couldn't get the needle to work (I had 6 needles all up and still no luck) so it's really dependant on yourself, your dentist and your teeth.

The first one I had actually cracked and split during the "settling" time so it was a wasted effort. The next I got my tooth pulled and the third has been fine.

Take your ipod It makes the world of difference!

And good luck!