The ultimate goal of root canal treatment is saving the injured or infected tooth. Teeth restored with root canal treatment can last the rest of the patient’s life. The benefits of having the procedure include:

• Relieving pain (toothache) associated with pulp infection, sensitivity or damage.
  
  
• Ridding the tooth of decayed tissue that can spread to other teeth.
  
  
• Restoring a natural smile to those whose teeth have been cracked or chipped.
  
  
• Avoiding extraction. Pulling a tooth can relieve the pain associated with a toothache and infection. However, it can also open the door for other problems. They may include shifting and misaligned teeth, gum recession, bite problems (malocclusion) and social problems associated with missing teeth.