Detailed Root Canal Simulation Leaves Viewers 'Feeling The Pain' Just By Watching

People have been left squirming after watching an animation that shows exactly how a root canal procedure works.

Dental procedures aren’t exactly fun for most people, but there’s something about visiting the dentist that brings an extra level of anxiety. 

Maybe it’s the needle for the local anesthetic going into your gums, the awkwardness of feeling judged for your dental habits, or simply the sound of the drill that does it.

Well, a video posted on YouTube has racked up more than 2 million views, with viewers cringing after watching the step-by-step breakdown of a root canal. 

If you’ve ever needed a reason to stay on top of your brushing and flossing routine, this video might just be the motivation you’ve been missing.

But what exactly is a root canal procedure?

A root canal is a dental treatment for a tooth that’s become infected. 

There are several ways this can happen—it might be due to damage from a fall or accident, leaky fillings, or even the classic culprit: tooth decay.

The root canal refers to the part of the tooth that extends from the crown (the visible part of the tooth) down into the root, where it’s anchored to the bone.

Teeth may seem hard on the outside, but the inside contains softer tissue, including nerves, that run from the crown down into the root. 

When an infection reaches the inside of the tooth, a dentist has to remove the infected tissue and nerves to stop the infection from spreading.

Well, that ain't good YouTube / Medical Arts Official

The process involves drilling into the crown, cleaning out the infected tissue, and then filling the tooth before sealing it off with a crown or cap so it can function like a normal tooth again.

Needless to say, watching the video of this procedure and the tools involved left many viewers feeling uneasy.

One commenter wrote, “Awwww I feel the pain in my own teeth just by watching it."

Another person shared their personal experience with a warning, "Trust me guys, the pain is real. Take care of your teeth."

A third viewer described it as “one of the most painful visits to the dentist," noting that even wisdom teeth extractions weren’t as bad because "they put you under." 

But when it came to the root canal, they explained, "Even with strong numbing, you can still feel the nerve being pulled, which made me shed a tear." 

No no no no no no YouTube / Medical Arts Official

Despite this, they added, "But man was it worth it!"

Someone else agreed, pointing out that although the anesthetic numbs the pain, you can still feel the nerve being pulled out. 

They wrote, "Root canals hurt like hell too, even when your mouth is numb, you'll still feel them getting out the nerves."

So, open wide and say "ahhh!"

And don’t forget to brush and floss—it might just save you from a future root canal.