1.  A Deep Infection

Root canal treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity damages tooth’s nerve. The nerve becomes infected or inflamed.

2.  A Route to the Root

The dentist numbs the tooth. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber. Special files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. Then the canal is shaped.

3.  Filling the Canals

The canals are filled with a permanent material. Typically this is done with a material known as gutta-percha. This helps to keep the canals free of infection or contamination.

4.  Rebuilding the Tooth

A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the opening. The filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling or a crown. A crown, sometimes called a cap, restores the tooth shape and protects it from fracturing. A post may be neccessary to help support the crown