At one time or another, we have all heard a horror story about root canal treatment. What we don't realize, with today's technology, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile. Within your tooth, there is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or there is a fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or an injury due to trauma the pulp can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. The pain is usually felt when biting down, chewing on it, and applying hot or cold food or drinks. An infected tooth will not heal itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall out. Treatment usually involves 1-3 visits. Your dentist removes the diseased pulp, the canals of the tooth are cleaned, and filling material is placed in the roots of the tooth. The final step is to place a permanent filling or crown. More than 95% of root canal treatments are successful. However, sometimes a case needs to be redone. Your restored tooth could last a lifetime if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the roots of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.