Root canals are MUCH more comfortable and trouble free than their reputation suggests. It is difficult to go through life without a few of them. A root canal procedure treats the pulp ("nerve") which resides in the center of every tooth. When the pulp of the tooth is affected by decay or degeneration, it needs to be removed. This is accomplished with metal wire instruments called files. The canal is then sterilized with antiseptics and filled with a flexible gum like material. The tooth is then often restored with a full coverage (crown) restoration. We perform most root canal procedures in our office.