Root canals are complex procedures with several steps involved, including: • Step 1: Diagnosing the Infected Pulp — The dentist will start off by examining the patient’s teeth, then taking one or two x-rays to determine the extent of the inflammation and tooth decay. Because advanced technology is required to understand the situation entirely, only experienced dentists can perform root canal treatments. • Step 2: Numbing the Area — Using a needle, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic such as lidocaine to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. If the pulp inside the tooth is inflamed, it may take a few minutes for the area to become numb; the dentist will not continue with the procedure until it is. • Step 3: Remove the Infected Pulp Inside Tooth — After the area has been anesthetized, the dentist drills a hole on the top of the tooth to remove the infected pulp and bacteria; this helps the dentist access the pulp chamber and root inside the tooth. They will then use surgical tools to clean out the root canal and the pulp chamber; to ensure no infection is left to cause pain, they may also apply antiseptic/antibiotics. To get rid of any leftover bacteria or residual material, the dentist will use sodium hypochlorite or water. • Step 4: Filling a New Root Filler — To fill the canals, the dentist will use a material called gutta-percha (a hard, tough thermoplastic material). It is placed inside the canals and later heated, then compressed to fit against the walls of the tooth. Using adhesive cement, the dentist will seal the canals to keep bacteria away. • Step 5: Restoring the Tooth — A few weeks after the original root canal treatment, patients need to return to have the temporary filling removed. The dentist will then put a permanent filling over the treated tooth, making the tooth as strong as it was before it got infected; this serves as a restoration to the tooth and also prevents future infection.