Root canal treatment is needed when decay progresses into the nerve tissue in the centre of the tooth or if there has been trauma causing either nerve exposure or nerve degeneration. The damaged nerve is removed with very small instruments and the area is cleaned with disinfectants. A filling is placed inside the tooth where the nerve was and the tooth is sealed temporarily. After root canal treatment, the tooth is more brittle and weak than a normal tooth so a crown is placed as soon as possible.
