I have "tight jaws" problems so a trip to dentist generally is a pain for me, even without surgery. There are hygienists and surgeon dentistry. You only want to have regular business with the first. So brush brush mouth wash.
I learned the hard way that after root canal there is a chance you loose your tooth if you don't get it cared over fully promptly. (if a temp cap has any problems it's an emergency.) I think numbing the tooth is the worst part because for a root canal they have to (and you want this) kind of over do it. After this, no problem. Always tell beforehand if you have fears of the operation, so they can adjust how they work.
I understood the paperclips reference! :D