Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Sometimes, however, damage occurs to a tooth and the inside of the tooth becomes infected. When a tooth becomes infected, there are really only two options available: either root canal therapy or having the tooth removed. In most cases, root canal is the preferable is the way to go because it is the only way to save the tooth. Root canal consists of the dentist making a small hole in the tooth and then removing the tiny nerves and blood vessels within the root(s). The roots are then shaped, cleaned, and plugged with an inert material. The procedure is typically painless, and is successful approximately ninety percent of the time when properly preformed.