First, the tooth is isolated from the saliva with a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber placed around the tooth). An opening is then made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. You may be given a local anesthetic prior to this step so that you will be more comfortable during treatment.

The pulp is then carefully removed from both the pulp chamber and root canal(s). The root canal(s) is cleaned, enlarged and shaped to a form that can be properly filled.

Medication may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) between appointments to help eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.

A temporary filling will be placed in an opening in the crown of the tooth to protect the pulp chamber and root canal(s) between visits.

If the pulp was severely infected, your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You may also be given antibiotics to help the body control infection that has spread beyond the tooth.

During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling is removed. The pulp chamber and tooth canal(s) are then filled and permanently sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from re-entering the canal.

In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore structure, function and appearance. If an endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your dentist for this final step.

The type of material used for the crown will depend on where the tooth is located in your mouth, the color of the tooth and the amount of natural tooth remaining. A front tooth that affects appearance, for instance, most likely will be restored with porcelain or a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. When a back tooth has been badly fractured or decayed, a gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown may be used. Your dentist will discuss these options with you.

Your endodontically treated and restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. As long as the root(s) of an endodontically treated tooth is properly nourished by the surrounding tissues, your tooth will remain healthy.