A root canal treatment typically involves several steps, including an X-ray and local anesthesia to numb the affected area. Your dentist will then make a small hole in the top of the tooth and use small instruments to remove the damaged or infected pulp. After the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and filled with a special material to prevent further infection. A temporary filling or crown may be placed on the tooth until a permanent restoration can be made. The procedure is generally not painful, as the area is numbed with local anesthesia, and any discomfort after the procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.