Good point. Dental tech has come a long way in my lifetime. Instant X-rays with a sensor and a laptop. Digital images of cavities and work performed. High-tech polymer fillings that don't require significant tooth drilling for mechanical bonds and mercury amalgam fillings. Those amalgam fillings eventually led to cracking teeth and more issues.
My wife had a similar procedure to the fun Irving went through. Had multiple root canals on the same upper tooth that would continue to get infected. She had an unusual root that they were unable to access from the crown and had to go in from the bottom/gums. Not fun.