A root canal treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia. The dentist will make a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals. The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and disinfected. The canals are then filled with a material to seal them, and a temporary filling is placed in the tooth. A permanent restoration, such as a crown or filling, is usually placed on the tooth to protect and strengthen it.