Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth and filling and sealing the emptied pulp chamber and root canals. It is needed when the pulp is infected by deep decay or cracks. During the procedure, the dentist makes an opening, removes the pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills and seals them with gutta percha. A crown may then be placed to restore the tooth. While root canals often last many years, there are no guarantees as residual infection could cause problems over time. With proper oral hygiene and care, treated teeth can usually be saved if issues do reoccur.