Can we have a special level for those who blast conspiracy theory videos? That was my last trip, and even with my headphones, I could still hear them droning on about some ignorant hot take divorced from any semblance of reality.

Let’s not shoot them. I prefer public censure.

Mine was right next to a front tooth (incisor). I hear you. You will still be able to bite normally.

Remember your new crown will be a bit tougher, so you will still be able to chew. Your dentist will help you test that prior so you won’t be released without being able to use everything like you should.

I had stopped chewing on that side of my mouth because of the tooth damage, so it took practice to remember to use those teeth again.

I had one, from a tooth that got damaged with braces as a teenager. It finally got to the point in my 40s that it hurt all the time and couldn’t be saved. My dentist suggested the root canal. Like you, I was scared.

I didn’t need to be scared. It barely hurt after - in 48 hours it was like it never happened. During the procedure (maybe 75 minutes total?) they had really good pain blocks. My advise is to let them know your fear. Good dentists/endodontists expect it and have ways to help you.

If you’ve been in pain from this for a while, you have already been feeling the worst of it. It’ll be so much better afterwards. Really!

They will likely fit you with a temporary crown to protect the remaining tooth until a proper crown is ready. Most of the pain will be from your irritated gums after the procedure, which will ache. Root canals terminate the damaged tooth nerves, so you may need to relearn how to chew on that tooth a bit. But did I mention it won’t hurt?