Endodontic (root canal) therapy is a highly specialized type of dental care developed to save teeth by the removal of infected and/or damaged "nerve" tissue from the inside of the tooth. This tissue, called pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels that help nourish the tooth. Infected pulp can lead to an abscess at the end of you roots. An examination, including necessary x-rays and other tests, determines if the pulp is infected.

If root canal treatment is necessary, the pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned, sterilized and sealed with a filling material to prevent further infection. The entire procedure can take one to multiple visits and is accomplished with little or no discomfort through the use of local anesthetics.