The dentist will take an x ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in a surrounding bone.
The dentist will then use local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. Anesthesia may not be necessary, since the nerve is dead, but most dentists still anesthetize the area to make the patient more relaxed and at ease.
An access hole will then be drilled into the tooth. The pulp along with bacteria, the decayed nerve tissue and related debris is removed from the tooth.
Cleaning of the canals will be done with the help of endodontic files.
Water or sodium hypochlorite is used periodically to flush away the debris.
Once the tooth is cleaned, it is sealed with a material called gutta-percha. To be on the safer side some dentists wait for a week before sealing the tooth to watch for infection and if it persists they fill it with a medication.
After the completion of root canal the dentist performs shaping and cutting of the same tooth and adjacent teeth if required and takes the impression of the upper and lower teeth and sends to laboratory for manufacturing of the crown or cap.
If the root canal is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep out contaminants like saliva and food between appointments.