Root canal treatment involves removing the nerve from an inflamed, infected or dead tooth to prevent it from becoming a source of continuing infection. The tooth’s interior is prepared, sterilized and finally filled with a non-irritating material called Gutta Percha. Root canal treatment usually takes one visit but can take up to three, depending on the degree of difficulty and severity of the infection. Complex cases are referred to a specialist called an Endodontist. Endodontic surgery is sometimes necessary when root canal treatment alone will not eliminate the infection. This is done by the specialist. The benefit to having a root canal is that it allows you to keep the tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted and loss of a tooth can adversely affect chewing and facial appearance. Occasionally it is impossible to find the canal and treatment may have to be discontinued, referred to an endodontist or the tooth extracted. Teeth that have had root canal treatment may be somewhat weakened because of the loss of tooth substance and therefore may require additional dental treatment (crowns, bridges). The fee for any such additional treatment is not included in the fee for the root canal. If root canal treatment is not performed, infection may occur and may progress, causing pain and destruction of bone around the root of the tooth. The alternative to root canal treatment is removal of the tooth.