Endodontic treatment (root canal) is sometimes necessary if the nerve of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur due to a deep cavity, injury to the tooth, repeated dental work on that tooth, or crack/chip. This inflammation or infection can cause mild to severe discomfort. Dr. Kromhout can alleviate the pain by removing the inflamed or infected nerve, carefully cleaning the inside of the canal, then filling and sealing the space. After the root canal therapy, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.