Root canal therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or cracked tooth. The treatment involves removing the pulp and the nerves of the tooth and cleaning the infected area. A tooth's pulp and the nerve is not important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has fully emerged from the gums. If the treatment is not performed, pus builds up at the root tip and the infection of the pulp can spread to the surrounding bone. The results in pain and swelling and your tooth would likely have to be removed.

What are the signs that a root canal is needed?

Root canal treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity involves the tooth's roots. The root of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. 

The tooth is made numb and an opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber.

Special files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. then they shape the canals for the filling material. Irrigation to used to help clean the canals and remove debris.

The canals are filled with a permanent material. The most commonly used material is Gutta Percha. This helps to keep the canals free of infection or contamination. 

A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the opening. The filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling or a crown. A Crown, sometimes also called a cap, looks like a natural tooth. It is placed over the top of the tooth.

In some cases, a post is placed into the root next to the gutta-percha. This gives the crown more support.

The tooth is prepared to receive a crown which will be cemented in place.