Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp – which provides the tooth with nutrients and nerves – that extends down to the tooth root. If the pulp becomes infected or injured, the tooth’s nerves die and often, without endodontic treatment, the tooth dies as well. Root canals are designed to save such damaged teeth. During the procedure (performed under anesthesia), a small opening is drilled into the tooth’s crown and pulp chamber, diseased pulp is reshaped or removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed with a gold, tooth-colored, or porcelain crown.