If the nerve chamber of a tooth becomes infected by decay or the nerve of a patient's tooth becomes necrotic (dies) due to trauma, root canal treatment is often necessary. The infected nerve and associated blood vessels of the tooth are removed and are replaced by a biocompatible material that seals the root of the tooth, preventing subsequent infections. This procedure allows the patient to retain a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When done properly, there is no discomfort associated with this procedure after the tooth has been anesthetized.
