When teeth are affected by decay or infection which goes down to the nerve, root canal therapy becomes necessary. With root canal therapy there tends to be an abundance of damage and decay. The root canal therapy procedure is the process of removing the living tissue, or the pulp, inside the teeth, the nerves, bacteria, and remaining decay. After the removal, the space is filled with medicated dental materials that restore tooth function.
Root canal therapy procedures are performed to save teeth with decay and damage that actively work to kill the nerves of the tooth. If a patient decided against a root canal, the dentist removes the affected tooth or teeth. The disadvantage of pulling the affected tooth is that it can cause significant problems for the teeth adjacent to the affected tooth. After treatment, if a new infection occurs, the tooth will need re-treatment.