Why is root canal treatment performed?

Root canal treatment is performed to save a tooth - rather than extract it - when the nerve (pulp) inside has become inflamed or infected due to deep decay or a tooth fracture. We remove the infected nerve tissue, disinfect the canals, and seal them with filling material, so you can keep using your natural tooth with its original roots intact. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread into the bone around the root tip and eventually require extraction. Think of root canal treatment as the step that preserves your natural tooth before extraction becomes necessary.