A root canal is a treatment where the tooth’s infected nerve is removed. This process will actually save the tooth. Generally this can be completed in one appointment, but occasionally an second appointment may be necessary.
The dentist will remove the nerve. Then he or she will clean out the area removing any debris and bacteria. The canal is filled with a paste and rubber compound to seal it. Then a filling is inserted into the hole that was drilled to remove the root. If the tooth is too weak, additional reinforcement can be added. Finally the tooth is covered with a crown or onlay to prevent future breaking.