Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth.

It is important to eliminate this infection via disinfection of the root canal. Infections may cause abscesses and other serious complications, therefore it is critical to undergo root canal treatment as soon as you become aware of the problem.

During root canal treatment, the dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully clean and shape the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, then fill and seal the space. Afterward, the dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.