Detailed simulation of how a root canal works has people 'feeling the pain' just by watching

People have been left wincing after watching an animation showing how a root canal procedure works.

While the thought of any medical procedure is not exactly pleasant, there's something about dentistry which harbours a particular horror for many.

Maybe it's the local anaesthetic involving an injection in your gums, maybe it's the feeling of being judged no matter how good your dental habits, or maybe it's just the sound of the drill.

Well, a video published on YouTube has drawn in more than 2 million views as people were left wincing and cringing after watching it.

And it's fair to say that if you needed any motivation to get on top of brushing your teeth then this clip will give you all the encouragement you need.

But what exactly is a root canal procedure?

Well, it's a procedure which is used when treating a tooth which has become infected.

There are plenty of ways that this can happen, it could be because you've damaged your tooth through a fall or accident, or maybe you have leaky fillings.

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

And yes, it can also happen because of tooth decay.

The root canal is a part of the tooth which extends inside the tooth down into where it's anchored into the bone.

Teeth have a hard exterior, while the inside contains softer tissues, including nerves which run down inside from the visible part of the 'crown' all the way down the root.

When an infection gets inside a tooth, this means that the dentist has to clear out the infected tissue, including the nerves.

This involves clearing away the infected tissue before opening up the crown and clearing out the inside of the tooth as well.

Finally, the tooth is filled in and capped off so it can be used as normal.

And needless to say, the video showing this process and all the terrifying technological implements that go with it had people horrified.

No no no no no no (YouTube / Medical Arts Official)

One wrote: "Awwww i feel the pain in my own teeth by watching it."

Meanwhile a second warned other viewers, posting: "Trust me guys, the pain is real. Take care your teeth."

A third commented: "One of the most painful visits to the dentist, wisdom teeth isn’t that painful because they put you under, but this, mainly strong number, you can still feel the nerve being ripped and made me shed a tear."

Nonetheless, they added: "But man was it worth it!"

Someone else remarked that the local anaesthetic numbs the pain, but you still feel the nerves being pulled out.

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

Open wide and say 'ahhh'!