The very first step of the root canal is administering local anesthetic. This numbs the area and makes the procedure more comfortable. Next, Dr. Adkins will remove any decay and expose the pulp of the tooth. The pulp, or nerve is carefully removed and the canals of the tooth cleaned out using specialized instruments. The canals are then filled with a material that contains medication. The hole that was made in the tooth is filled with a simple filling material by our dentist near Arvada.