The dentist will first determine whether you qualify for a root canal before proceeding with the treatment. They will check your teeth and gums for signs of bacterial infection and dental decay. They’ll also take -rays of your teeth to determine the extent of the dental decay before administering local anesthetic near the affected teeth to numb the area.

Removing the infected pulp forms the core of the root canal treatment. However, dentists will first use a drill to create an access hole on the upper surface of the affected tooth. This hole allows the dentist to access the pulp cavity and scoop out the inflamed pulp in the pulp chamber and root canals.

After removing the infected pulp, the dentist will spray an anti-microbial spray into the access hole and disinfect the pulp chamber. Doing so eliminates any remaining bacteria to eliminate tooth decay completely. Once irrigated, the dentist will fill the canal with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, then seal the access hole with dental cement.

Dentists may recommend dental crowns for teeth with severe tooth decay. The crown restores the tooth’s structure, giving it strength to bite and chew without fracturing. The dentist might prescribe OTC painkillers after the procedure to manage pain and sensitivity. They’ll also give you instructions on how to care for the affected teeth until recovery.