Root canals treatments are necessary when decay or trauma reaches the nerve of the tooth and the tooth becomes infected or fractured. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp (nerve tissue) is removed from the canal spaces insided the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function. Certain root canal procedures may be referred to a specialist (an endodontist) depending on the case.