Tips for root canal

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So I made a mistake by not seeing the dentist for 3 to 3 1/2 years and not remembering to brush that second time before going to sleep, so I find myself perhaps needing a root canal (it's a 95% possibility, with a 5% possibility that the dentist could get away with more conservative methods upon exploratory procedure). I've handled fillings before (and I just handled 90 minutes straight of sitting in a chair for 5 fillings), but I know a root canal procedure can be longer and different. What have people here done to make themselves comfortable during such a procedure, and what should I expect? Would the dentist allow me to listen to music on my smartphone during the procedure, or do I need to be able to listen for direction?

The root canal itself isn't that bad. It's what happens before the root canal--especially that needle!

If you get through the needle, you will be fine. In fact, after the root canal, your tooth will probably feel better.

You'll be sore for a few days afterwards (maybe)--so keep the Tylenol/Advil handy. And take whatever antibiotics are prescribed for you.

My experience with root canals is that they're less painful than fillings, once the novacaine has worn off. The needle(s) aren't bad. Dentists now use a topical anesthetic on the gums before they stick you, and they have a few little tricks up their sleeves to distract you.

Once you're numb, it's a pretty easy thing to tolerate. Discuss the headphones with the dentist, but I suspect that you'll be told it will be OK.