What are the basic steps in a root canal treatment?

The basic steps in a root canal treatment primarily focus on addressing the infected pulp within the tooth. This process starts with cleaning the infected pulp, which involves removing the diseased tissue from inside the root canal system. Once the canal is clean, it is then shaped to ensure that it can accommodate a sealing material. Shaping is crucial because it allows for proper filling, ensuring that all areas of the canal are accessible for the sealing material.

After cleaning and shaping, the canal is sealed with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that provides a hermetic seal to prevent further infection and reinfestation of the canal. This sealing process is critical in promoting the long-term health of the tooth after treatment.

The other choices mention steps that are either not typically involved in a standard root canal procedure or include steps from unrelated dental treatments. For instance, extracting the tooth is not part of root canal therapy, which aims to preserve the tooth. Similarly, examining and whitening the tooth may be part of different procedures and do not directly relate to the core process of a root canal. Thus, the outlined choice accurately reflects the systematic approach necessary for effective root canal therapy.