Root canal procedure.

Root canal treatment involves the following procedure: After the dentist administers a local anaesthetic, a small hole is drilled into the top of the injured tooth. The dentist can extract the necrotic or diseased pulp tissue through this small hole. The dentist will then use specialised instruments to accurately measure the length of the root canal to ensure that it stops at the tip for cleaning and shaping. Afterwards, the dentist will use various sized files to shape and clean the root canals, with constant rinsing to remove bacteria and necrotic tissue. After cleaning and shaping the root canals, the dentist will sterilise the tooth and minimise the inflammation by inserting medication and then sealing the tooth temporarily. If the infection is controlled after a period of time, the dentist will seal the entrance with a permanent material and fill the root canal with a root canal filling, which is usually a rubbery material called gutta-percha. To restore the shape and function of the tooth, the dentist will eventually place a crown on the tooth. The whole process may take several visits to complete.