*A root canal is necessary when the pulp (nerve portion of the tooth) is infected and an abscess develops

*The abscess is treated by the dentist cleaning out the infected pulp and medicating the tooth

*Once the infection has been removed, the canals of the tooth are filled and sealed

*Most root canal treatment can be performed with no discomfort

*The cost of a root canal is usually less than the total cost would be for removing the tooth and replacing it with an artificial one

*A tooth that has had root canal treatment, can usually be restored to last as long as any other tooth

*A crown is the ideal restoration for the tooth following root canal treatment