If cavities are left untreated, bacteria can enter into the openings of a tooth and lead to infection. When the infection moves deeper and hits the root of a tooth, a root canal becomes necessary.  

The goal is to save the natural tooth and avoid extraction. A root canal is a procedure that can do just that by cleaning out the infection and properly sealing the tooth to prevent future problems. 

What Happens at an Appointment

A local anesthetic will be given to assure the procedure is pain-free. A specialized, thin tool will extract the infection from the root. The cavity will be filled and a crown may be needed at a subsequent appointment.