Years ago, a badly infected tooth was doomed to be pulled. Today, that's a last resort. Removal of the infection within a sick tooth is called root canal treatment. A common reason for root canal treatment is an infected or abscessed tooth, which may result from a deep cavity, periodontal disease, or even a fractured tooth. Sometimes, trauma - like a sharp blow to the mouth can result in damage to the pulp of the tooth.

Root Canal treatment removes the pulp tissue, which is composed of a nerve and blood supply within the tooth. After all the material has been removed from within the root, the canal or canals if it is a multi-rooted tooth, are sterilized and sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from reentering.

Because a root canal removes everything, which feeds the tooth and keeps it alive the tooth will become very brittle after a period of time. This time period varies from person to person. It is for that reason that the tooth should be restored as quickly as possible with a crown. Back teeth are usually crowned or capped shortly after a root canal has been performed to prevent the tooth from shattering due to the pressure put on it by chewing.

Root canal work is not uncomfortable, and in some instances can be performed in one visit. The discomfort associated with root canal is due to the infection associated with the need for the root canal.