Endodontic therapy treats dental pain and infection.  During this procedure, inflamed and/or necrotic (dead) nerves are cleaned out of the roots of a tooth.  The roots are then sterilized and filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material.  Root canal may be a treatment option for dental pain caused by inflammation of dental nerves following trauma, decay, or a cracked tooth.  It may also be an option when pain is caused by infection after the nerve has died.