There are multiple reasons that root canal therapy may become necessary. Sometimes there is trauma to a tooth that causes the nerve inside to die. Other times large decay invades the nerve space and an infection develops. During root canal therapy this nerve space is cleaned out and filled with a special material- all while you are completely numb. A crown is then placed on the tooth in most cases. Throughout this and other procedures, making sure you are comfortable is one of Dr. Ritter’s top priorities.