When a tooth becomes injured, cracked or decayed, the damage can spread to the inside of the tooth, which contains living pulp tissue. When this happens, it is necessary to make an opening in the tooth and cleaning out the infected tissue inside the tooth. The space inside the tooth is then filled and the opening sealed. The tooth is frozen while the root canal treatment is being done.

In general, teeth that have had root canal treatment can stay as healthy and last as long as other teeth. In most cases, it would be difficult for you to feel or see the difference. Teeth that have had root canal treatment, can tend to break if they have a large filling, so a crown or cap may be necessary to protect the tooth from further damage.