When the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it becomes infected. Left untreated, the pulp will die and become necrotic. Pus can build up at the root tip, forming an abscess that can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth. Endodontic treatment is the removal of the diseased pulp tissue, which will enable the body's defense system to repair the damage caused by the infection.

Endodontic therapy normally takes two or three visits to complete. The following steps are involved in the treatment of the tooth:

• A local anesthetic is used so the procedure will be pain free. The tooth will then be isolated by placing a rubber dam over it. This thin sheet of rubber provides a clean and aseptic working environment.
• An opening is then made through the top of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
• The pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged, and shaped to a form that can be filled and sealed latter.
• A temporary filling is placed in the the opening in the tooth to seal it between visits. There can be some discomfort in the area of the tooth for a day or two following the initial visit. Occasionally the pain can be more severe.
• During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling is removed and the root canals are filled and sealed. This completes the endodontic treatment.

Following completion the tooth will need to be restored. Due to the large amount of tooth structure usually lost from decay and old fillings the preferred restoration is a crown. A post may be placed into the root to give additional structural support.

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