I hate going to the dentist too, its almost a phobia, but I learned a trick that helps me thru it ! I ask the dentist upfront - how long with this take from the time u numb me til I get outta this chair? When I have a time frame, I use my rational self talk - "ANYONE can live thru sitting in this chair "X" number of minutes", "If I count slowly in mind backwards from 1000 by 7's, the dentist will probably finish before I get to zero !" Or I play the "I am going to Africa" game and since that takes concentration - time flies. But I tell you - having the dentist give me a time frame has been key to me !

You REALLY do not want a root canal - so get to the dentist as soon as you can ! I chairsided for a dentist for 6 months( family friend who needed a temp) and watched root canals........I do NOT want one, and remembering THAT helps me go to the dentist !

Good luck - and please dont over medicate, it is only temporary and isnt going to cure a bad tooth !