A root canal procedure involves removing the nerve and blood vessel of a tooth. If a tooth’s nerve becomes infected from deep decay or trauma, the only way to save the tooth is to remove that nerve. The dentist cleans out and shapes the nerve space (the canals) inside the tooth to remove debris and bacteria. That canal space is then filled and sealed. The tooth is restored with a filling. In many cases, a tooth with the root canal is weak and at risk of breaking. A crown is ideal to protect the tooth from future fracturing.