Can you tell me what to expect when I get a root canal?

I’m getting a root canal next Friday and I’m really nervous. I’ve heard from some people it’s fine and is not much different than a filling. Other people tell me it’s very painful and a waste of money. The dentist said he could either pull the tooth or root canal it. It’s close to the front and would show when I talk and smile, so I’m going with root canal. It’s way more expensive, but I have good insurance and I don’t want to loose that tooth. Any advice or experiences would be great!