This article about root canal politics captured my interest, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/opinion/09friedman.html
What is root canal politics? According to the editor-in-chief of the Economist, the British election may be the first Western election "based on pain". Apparently, politics in the West will take away benefits this time, instead of giving things away to the voters. Oooch, that's PAINFUL.
A misconception about root canal treatment (RCT).
We usually associate pain with RCT. I think this misconception was created because most patients who need RCT are already experiencing some kind of toothache. It is not true that RCT is painful. The root canal actually eases the pain. Perhaps, some patients may have experienced a painful RCT and afraid to go through the ordeal again. My advice is you should always let your dentist know that the tooth is still hurting during treatment. Do not suffer in silence!
Usually, I will numb the affected tooth and surrounding area before RCT is carried out and the procedure is quite painless. When the patient do feel pain, I will give another anaesthetic injection and if all attempts fail, it is best to place a medication or temporary dressing on the tooth to let the pulp settles and continue treatment in another appointment. When the numb effect wears off, I always warn my patients that some pain may set in. I routinely prescribe a painkiller after the treatment but some of my patients said that they don't need it at all.
I think with the advancement in medical science and dental technology, RCT is not as painful as it just to be. If you need one, you have to have it. Just like root canal politics, no more tooth fairy!
