An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening. One at a time, we remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed. Some teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore its full function. After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. In a rare case when a retreat is needed, the same steps are used. An access hole is made through the crown and each canal is cleaned out thoroughly. Once the root canal is complete, the access hole is filled to match the shade of the crown.