When the nerve of a permanent tooth becomes infected or abscessed, Root Canal Therapy is the only way to save the tooth. A tooth can become abscessed as a result of deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the tooth. The only alternative to Root Canal Therapy is an Extraction.

Root Canal Therapy for permanent teeth is usually referred to an endodontist. An endodontist specializes in the treatment of the nerve of a tooth.

A similar procedure on primary teeth is a pulpotomy or pulpectomy.