People worrying about needing root canal treatment may be reassured by comments from a dental health expert.
Cosmetic dentist Thomas P Connelly urged prospective patients to remain calm before the procedure, as it is not as painful as most people think.
In an article for the Huffington Post, Dr Connelly stated that the treatment is the most effective method to stop pain from a damaged tooth.
The procedure usually involves drilling into the tooth in order to rid the mouth of infected pulp, with the dentist then drilling the nerves out of the root canal.
Dr Connelly warned patients that dental professionals often need to fit a crown to the tooth following the treatment in order to make it last as long as possible.
Bupa Healthcare states that the pulp in the teeth can be damaged by a number of factors which may lead to a person needing emergency root canal treatment – including injury, gum disease and tooth decay.