When a tooth’s nerve is compromised by decay or infection, root canal therapy is required. The pulp, nerves, germs, and decay are removed in order to save the tooth, and the resulting area is filled with special, medicated dental materials that allow the tooth to function normally again. The preferred procedure to preserve  a tooth that might otherwise decay and need to be extracted is a root canal. Many patients think that cutting out a tooth that is problematic is the answer, but they are  unaware that doing so will ultimately cost more money and seriously harm neighboring teeth. Treatment with a root canal is quite effective and typically lasts forever.