We start a root canal by thoroughly numbing the area to be treated. We then create an opening in the tooth so soft tissues can be cleaned out. Each tooth has between one and four nerve and blood vessel channels reaching to the ends of the roots. These are called “canals.” We will clean and smooth the inside of these canals and then fill them with sterile materials. 

Next, we fill in the opening which is just like providing a filling for a cavity. This tooth may be sore for a few days after this treatment, but it is normally not problematic for most patients. We suggest that our patients avoid chewy or hard foods for a few days. 

We recommend that teeth treated with root canal treatment receive a protective crown. The loss of blood and nerve supply means that a tooth will become brittle and a new crown protects the tooth from harm.