Why does the pulp need to be removed?
If the damaged or diseased pulp is not removed, the tooth and surrounding tissues become infected.  Pain and swelling may accompany the infection.  Even in the absence of pain, certain byproducts of a diseased pulp can injure the bone that anchors your tooth in the jaw.  Without endodontic treatment, your tooth will eventually have to be removed.

What does endodontic treatment involve?
treatment usually requires from one to three appointments.  During these treatments, your dentist or a specialist called an endodontist removes the diseased pulp.  The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed to prevent recontamination of the root canal system.  Root canal therapy usually is a relatively painless procedure.

How long will the restored tooth last?
Your endodontically treated and restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums.  As long as the root(s) of an endodontically treated tooth is properly nourished by the surrounding tissues, your tooth will remain healthy.