When a tooth has undergone a traumatic experience, had a large filling or has a crack that is potentially too close to the pulp (living nerves in the tooth), it can often become irritated, inflamed and infected. When this does occur to a tooth, a root canal can be performed in order to save and keep the tooth for aesthetic purposes. A root canal involves the opening of the tooth and meticulous clean out of the nerves and canals to rid the tooth of infection, before shaping and sealing the canals to prevent any future bacteria from entering the tooth and causing a re-infection. This procedure can often be a lengthy appointment but is very comfortable.