Root canal therapy helps save teeth by removing diseased or dead nerves inside the tooth. Typically, a root canal is a simple procedure with little or no discomfort. Inside each tooth is a nerve, also called the pulp, which provides nutrients and feeling to the tooth. When the nerve is diseased or injured, the tissue around the nerve dies. If the dead tissue is not removed, the tooth will get infected and need to be pulled.
It is always important to preserve tooth function and a root canal can remove the damaged nerve. Once a root canal treatment has been performed it is recommended that a crown is placed on the tooth to prevent it from breaking.