Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected as a result of injury, deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a cracked or chipped tooth.

* Most patients who have had a root canal performed by an endodontist describe the procedure as virtually painless.

* Eighty-five percent of patients who have had a root canal performed by an endodontist would return to an endodontist for future work.

* Between 1990 and 1999, the number of root canals performed in the United States increased by 13 percent to nearly 16 million.

* Root canals performed by endodontists are a better and common alternative to tooth extraction.

* When performing a root canal, an endodontist removes inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal (a channel inside the root), and fills and seals the space.

* After performing the procedure, the endodontist returns the patient to a general dentist to have a crown placed or other restorative work performed.

* After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.