Root canals are performed when decay or infection damages the nerve of the tooth. Root canal therapy preserves the tooth by removing decay, bacteria and nerves. The space where this material is removed is then filled with medicated dental materials to eliminate pain and restore the function of the treated tooth.
Root canals enable dentists to save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed, due to decay and infection. This is an important treatment option, since removing teeth is a more costly solution and often results in problems for the teeth surrounding the tooth that was extracted.
Root canal treatment is generally a very successful procedure for most patients and the tooth is preserved in most cases. Root canals often last for a lifetime, but if a new infection occurs, additional treatment may be required.