Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth and filling/sealing the emptied pulp chamber and root canals. It is needed when the pulp is infected by deep decay or other damage. During the procedure, the dentist makes an opening, removes the pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills them with gutta percha. A crown may then be placed to restore the tooth. While root canals often allow teeth to last many years, there are no guarantees as residual infection could cause problems over time. With proper dental care after treatment, root canals can save teeth that would otherwise need extraction.