A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.
During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed with a special gutta percha material. This material hardens, is trimmed and the tooth can then be filled.Over time this material expands within the root and prevents bacteria from continuing to deay the tooth.
In the absence of treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. In severe cases the tooth may need to be removed.