Root Canal (endodontic) therapy treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the tooth. In the past, a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. However in 95% of these cases today, this is no longer true. Dr. Valdes believes in saving teeth and he will make every effort to save yours. An opening is made through the crown into the pulp. The diseased pulp is then carefully removed. The Root Canal area inside your tooth is cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Then depending on each case, the Root Canal and pulp chamber may be permanently filled and sealed. Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing functions-most often with a full crown. This procedure may take two visits to complete.