Is root canal the next step?

[tallulahturtle]

I had a filling in one of my molars (on the bottom) a few years back and it lasted a couple of years and then started chipping. Got a few infections and dentist patched it up, a few times, the last time my dentist patched it up he drilled into it and then used the cooling spray they use while they drill. I had not been numbed and this filling is very deep so I had to be peeled off the celing such was the pain. I have since moved dentists as based on the old dentists response that I was making a big deal out of the pain, I no longer trusted him.
Had tooth checked out by new dentist and he said filling is very weak and also very very close to nerve. I had been suffering a lot of pain with it and sensitivity so he said try sensodyne rapid relief. It worked for a while but another bit has chipped off and now I no longer eat on that side, the filling/tooth is sharp and causes me endless mouth ulcers. Cant let any liquid swill in my mouth as if it hits the filling its agony ( i need to do this as i work in the wine industry), also I do like to be able to use mouthwash.

Any dental people out there? Is root canal the only hope? Is it painful? From what ive gathered the tooth will not tolerate another filling. Will a root canal sort it out for good?
I am now almost used to eating on one side, and avoiding all the things that puss my tooth off. But I know I need this sorted.

Also is it done in one go and will I need to take time off to recover?

I had a root canal done recently. Was worried but honestly it was fine. I was well numbed. The first visit was the worst as its as when I had toothache and the dentist had to clean out the canals with chlorine tasting liquid. After that I had two further appointments for preparing the canals and then filling them. The worst bit is having to keep your mouth open for so long.
I could have gone straight back to work afterwards although had it done on my half day.

Iv had root canal and it's really not as bad as some people make out, I had people at work telling me horror story's I didn't find it anymore painfull then a norm filling, however it was when they scrapped my root it hurt so I out my hand up and they just injected more numbing stuff so now if I have more work done I tell them it hurts and get numbed more I hate the dentist have always had a terrible fear since I was a kid and it rally wasn't that bad zx

I had one done in January and it hurt less than a normal filling! Mine was done in 2 appts, the most painful bit, but more uncomfortable than painful, was the beginning of the 2nd appt where the dentist chipped off the temporary paste he'd put on to replace the original filling.

Lovely, just heard some horror stories but if its a bit like a filling, I can handle that :). Once ive got this week behind me i will book in for one.